Parliament Security Breach Case: Delhi Court Reserves Order On Accused Neelam Azad’s Bail

The Patiala House Court has reserved its decision on the bail plea of Neelam Azad, an accused in the Parliament security breach case from last year. After hearing arguments, Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur announced that the order will be pronounced on September 11, 2024.

Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh argued against the bail plea, stating there is substantial evidence against Azad, including documents that point to her involvement, making her ineligible for bail.

He added that the case involves serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, which relate to national security, and that Azad’s release could pose a flight risk, lead to witness tampering, or threaten the investigation.

On the defense side, lawyer Balraj Malik argued that the UAPA has been misused to suppress dissent, and questioned the prosecution’s narrative. He highlighted that Azad and the others were reportedly assaulted during the incident and cast doubt on the severity of the charges.

The case dates back to December 13, 2023, when six individuals, including Azad, were accused of breaching Parliament security during a live session by throwing smoke canisters in the Lok Sabha. Delhi Police arrested all six, including Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, and Sagar Sharma, and filed a 1000-page chargesheet on June 7, 2024.

The Delhi LG, VK Saxena, granted prosecution sanction under UAPA after reviewing evidence presented by the police. The investigation is ongoing, with all six accused currently in judicial custody.

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