Parliament Security Breach: Delhi HC Defers Hearing on Plea against Supply of FIR Copy to Neelam Azad

The Delhi High Court has deferred the hearing on a plea filed by Delhi Police against a trial court’s order directing the supply of an FIR copy to accused Neelam Azad in the Parliament Security Breach Case to February 12, 2024.

Delhi Police, dissatisfied with the trial court’s directive to provide a copy of the FIR to accused Neelam Azad in connection with the Parliament security breach case, moved the High Court, challenging the said order.

During the last hearing, the High Court, taking into account the submissions of Delhi Police, issued a stay on the trial court’s directions. Simultaneously, the court issued notices to the accused, Neelam Azad, regarding the plea filed by Delhi Police.

Last month, the Patiala House Court had approved an application from the family of accused Neelam Azad, seeking the supply of a copy of the FIR registered under various sections of the IPC and UAPA. The court also granted a plea requesting the court to direct Delhi Police to permit Neelam’s lawyer to provide legal advice during the custodial remand period.

Additional Sessions Judge Dr. Hardeep Kaur mandated the Investigation Officer to provide a copy of the present FIR to the applicant/accused as per the law. The court, considering the overall circumstances, asserted that the applicant/accused has an inherent right to legal assistance, even during police custody.

Advocate Suresh Kumar Chaudhary, representing Neelam, appeared before the concerned judge and emphasized the constitutional right of the family and lawyers to receive the FIR copy. He reiterated that it is a constitutional right and requested permission to meet with Neelam.

The case revolves around a security breach on December 13, when two individuals, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They released yellow gas from canisters, shouted slogans, and were subsequently subdued by some MPs. Simultaneously, Amol Shinde and Azad, two other accused, sprayed colored gas from canisters while shouting “tanashahi nahi chalegi” outside the Parliament premises.

The arrest of the four individuals occurred at the scene, while Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat were later apprehended for their alleged involvement in the incident. The court’s decision to deny bail to Neelam Azad was based on the current stage of proceedings.