The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, July 2, granted bail to the two accused in the December 2023 Parliament security breach case.
Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. They join a very short list of individuals granted bail under the draconian law.
A division bench comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar proceeded with the order, which had earlier been reserved on May 21.
Bail was granted for a bond of Rs 50,000 to be furnished by each, along with two sureties of the same amount.
However, this bail was provided on the basis of a number of restrictions on Azad and Kumavat. They are restricted from giving press conferences and interviews; likewise, no statement can be issued through social media.
They are also not allowed to exit the National Capital Region (NCR), bound to regular attendance at the concerned police station at 10 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The bench had earlier stated its opposition to the application of UAPA in the case, saying, “If using a smoke canister is a terrorist act, then every Holi and IPL Match must also attract the UAPA.”
Police, opposed to the bail, had argued that the accused sought to degrade the “majestic new Parliament building” by bringing back “haunted memories” of the 2001 attack.
Ironically, the 2023 attack took place on December 13, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.
Additional accomplices Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad also reportedly discharged coloured gas from similar canisters outside the Parliament complex while raising slogans like “Tanashahi nahi chalegi (Dictatorship will not last!).”
Delhi Police further arrested Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in connection with the security breach. All accused are currently under investigation by relevant authorities.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling comes after the two accused challenged a prior trial court ruling denying them bail.
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