THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 2: The Delhi High Court today granted bail to Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat, two of the accused in the 2023 Parliament security breach case, under strict conditions.
Despite strong opposition from Delhi Police, the court allowed their release on a personal bond of ₹50,000 and two sureties each.
The bench, comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, barred the duo from leaving Delhi and prohibited them from speaking to the media, holding press conferences, or commenting on the case via social media.
They are also required to report to the local police station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m.
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Delhi Police had opposed the bail, arguing that the accused are influential, pose a flight risk, and could tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing credible evidence and official sanction from the Delhi Lieutenant Governor under Sections 16 and 18 of the Act.
The defence countered by alleging misuse of the UAPA to stifle dissent, pointing to the absence of any evidence threatening national security. They also accused authorities of physically assaulting the accused within Parliament premises.
The case stems from a security breach on December 13, 2023, when six individuals allegedly released smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha during a session.
A 1,000-page charge sheet was filed on June 7, 2024, naming all six accused: Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad.
The FIR, initially registered under several IPC and UAPA sections, is being investigated by the Special Cell’s Counter Intelligence Unit.
