Indian activist Sharjeel Imam was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Sunday after a court granted him interim bail to attend the weddings of two cousins.

The interim bail, granted by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts on September 22, is valid from October 4 to October 10 in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.

Imam faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reports Karvaan India.

Imam’s counsel Ahmad Ibrahim said the two weddings will be held in Delhi and Bihar. His brother, Muzammil Imam, also announced the bail on X.

As part of the court’s conditions, Imam has been barred from contacting witnesses or anyone connected with the case.

He has also been prohibited from using social media and communicating with members of the media during the seven-day period.

Imam was arrested on January 28, 2020, and has spent more than six years in custody.

He was granted interim bail earlier this year as well. In March, a Delhi court allowed him 10 days to attend his brother’s wedding and look after his ailing mother.

His counsel said the order at the time required two sureties of 50,000 rupees each. The complete conditions attached to the latest interim bail have not been reported.

Muzammil Imam told Karvaan India that the family remains hopeful that his brother will eventually secure regular bail. He said they expect the Supreme Court to grant permanent bail early next year.

The expectation is linked to a January 5 Supreme Court order, which permits Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid to approach the court for bail again after one year or after protected witnesses have been examined, whichever comes first.

The current interim relief does not affect the status of Imam’s main bail proceedings. On September 30, the Delhi High Court rejected regular bail applications filed by Imam and Khalid, citing the Supreme Court’s January 5 order.

Delhi Police have opposed Imam’s bail applications and described him as one of the “masterminds” of the alleged conspiracy. Imam has denied the allegations.