Delhi High Court To Hear Bail Pleas Of Accused In Parliament Security Breach Case Next Week

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (April 29) listed on May 07 the bail pleas filed by two accused persons in the 2023 Parliament security breach case.

A division bench comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar adjourned the bail appeals filed by accused Neelam Azad and Manoranjan D at the adjournment request made on behalf of the ASG, who will be representing the Delhi Police.

The proxy counsel appearing for ASG requested that the matter be adjourned for a week.

However, the adjournment request was strongly opposed by the counsel appearing for Neelam Azad who said that it was a delay tactic of the State and that such delay in liberty matters is not good for the country.

During the hearing, the proxy counsel commented not to give a "moral lecture". Neelam's counsel responded, “It is a real lecture. If ASG is interested, he should be here. ASG is special advocate? I am saying this type of habit of the State in such cases, making excuses before courts, constitutional courts, and we see that many times our request is denied but request of ASG, SG, Attorney that they will appear… it is not good. If ASG is interested, kindly list it tomorrow.”

Irked, Justice Prasad said, “Enough…. You have irritated us” and adjourned the matters to May 07.

Last week, the bench had orally remarked that if using smoke canister is a terrorist act, then every holi and IPL match will also attract the offence under UAPA.

The Court had asked the Delhi Police to explain as to whether carrying or using a smoke canister, which is not lethal, is covered for the offence of terrorist act under UAPA.

While opposing Azad's bail plea, the Delhi Police told Court that the accused persons in the case wanted to bring back “haunted memories” of the 2001 Parliament attack to the “majestic” new parliament building.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons jumped into the chamber of Lok Sabha from the public gallery when the Zero Hour was in session. The duo was identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D.

In the photographs and videos that surfaced on social media, the two were seen holding canisters which released yellow gas. They were also shouting slogans. However, they were overpowered by some of the Member of Parliaments (MPs).

Two other accused, identified as Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad, also sprayed coloured gas from similar canisters outside the premises of the Parliament. They were reportedly shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi.”

Case Title: MANORANJAN D v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi)