Nothing Wrong With Seeking Regime Change In Democracy: Neha Bora Tells Delhi High Court
Nupur Thapliyal
22 Oct 2026 5:43 PM IST
National President of All India Students Association (AISA) Neha Bora told the Delhi High Court on Thursday (October 22) that there was nothing wrong in seeking a regime change in a democracy.
The submission was made during the hearing of Bora's plea challenging a notice to execute a personal bond of ₹10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during an inquiry, following her participation in 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest on October 16.
During the hearing Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma pointed to certain material, including a joint press conference attended by Bora wherein statement on regime change was made.
At this stage, appearing for Bora, senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayan said, "There is nothing wrong in regime change in a democracy".
Meanwhile, the ASG while objecting to this said that regime change can happen by "votes" not by "lumpen elements in the nerve of New Delhi".
After hearing the parties for over 2.5 hours, Justice Subramonium Prasad reserved its verdict and said that orders will be pronounced on Friday at 6pm.
Bora has challenged an October 17 notice issued by a Special Executive Magistrate under Sections 126 (Magistrate may show cause an individual why peace bond may not be executed if he receives information that a person is likely commit a breach of the peace) and 130(when the Magistrate acting under section 126, section 127, section 128 or section 129, deems it necessary to require any person to show cause under he shall make an order in writing mentioning certain particulars) BNSS, read with Section 135(3) BNSS.
Under Section 135(3) Magistrate can, for reasons to be recorded in writing, direct the person in respect of whom the order under section 130 has been made to execute a bond or bail bond, for keeping the peace or maintaining good behaviour until the conclusion of the inquiry and may detain him in custody until such bond or bail bond is executed or, in default of execution, until the inquiry is concluded. The proviso states where no proceedings are taken against a person under sections 127, 128, or 129 then such person shall not be directed to execute a bond or bail bond for maintaining good behaviour.
Bora has sought quashing of the notice and the proceedings arising from it, besides a direction restraining the authorities from taking coercive action against her.
It states that Bora had called for a peaceful gathering at Mandi House at 5 PM on October 16 to unfurl the national flag at the Central Park in Connaught Place as a part of protests against the Chief Election Commissioner. She alleges that she was detained at around 5:30 PM, taken to an undisclosed location and subsequently to R.K. Puram Police Station, where she was held overnight before being released at 6 AM on October 17.
The notice, received by her on October 18, cites alleged sloganeering at Mandi House, repeated protests around Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, and the allegation that she instigated people to participate in a protest at Connaught Place on October 16.
The petition contends that the notice does not disclose any material establishing a likelihood of breach of peace, which is a necessary precondition for initiating preventive proceedings under Section 126 of the BNSS.
(Compiled by Malavika Prasad)
