In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted custody parole to Mohammad Tahir Hussain, the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. The court has allowed Hussain to leave jail for a period of 12 hours daily, from January 29 to February 3, to campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections.

However, the court imposed strict conditions on the parole. Hussain will bear the expense of two police personnel, a jail van, and an escort vehicle, which amounts to a significant financial commitment. An advance deposit of over ₹2 lakh, covering two days of expenses, will also be required.

The court permitted Hussain to visit his party office and conduct meetings with voters within his constituency. However, he is prohibited from visiting his residence in Karawal Nagar and from speaking about the cases pending against him.

Hussain's legal counsel, senior advocate Siddharth Aggarwal, argued that there were only a few days left for the election campaign and that Hussain should be allowed to connect with the electorate under police custody. He emphasized that it was important for Hussain to participate in the democratic process of campaigning.

The request was met with opposition from the Additional Solicitor General, SV Raju, who highlighted the serious nature of Hussain's involvement in the riots. Raju argued that if Hussain's request were granted, it could set a precedent for other individuals to seek similar relief, potentially leading to an influx of such petitions.

The court’s decision to allow Hussain's parole under strict conditions reflects the balance between upholding legal proceedings and ensuring the individual's right to participate in the election process.

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, and Hussain's temporary release has become a point of legal and political significance.