Delhi court grants bail to 17 students, journalists arrested during CEC protest | India News
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday night granted bail to 17 students and freelance journalists arrested during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, and directed jail authorities to ensure medical treatment for those who sustained injuries.In four separate orders passed between 9 pm and 9:25 pm, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Animesh Kumar of Patiala House Court ordered the release of all 17 accused in connection with an FIR registered at Parliament Street police station.The court directed that the accused be released on furnishing a personal bond with one surety of the like amount. It also said they should be released immediately if their custody was not required in any other case.The court specifically directed the jail superintendent to ensure necessary medical treatment for accused who had sustained injuries, as advised by the medical officer.
Court sets bail conditions for accused
The accused have been directed not to directly or indirectly induce, threaten or influence anyone acquainted with the facts of the case or tamper with evidence. They have also been restrained from committing any offence while on bail.They must provide their correct permanent and residential addresses and active mobile numbers, keep the numbers operational and inform the court of any change in address. They are also required to appear before the concerned court on every date of hearing and cannot leave the country without prior permission.The court said the investigating agency would be free to seek cancellation of bail if any of the conditions were violated.The FIR was registered under Sections 223(a), 221, 132, 190, 191(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.Police alleged that the accused were part of an unlawful assembly, obstructed or blocked public space, manhandled police personnel and damaged public property.
Police seek custody, defence cites right to protest
The investigating officer had sought 14 days of judicial custody, arguing that the accused could commit further offences or interfere with the investigation.The defence opposed the plea, arguing that the accused were young and that several were students exercising their democratic right to dissent and protest. Defence counsel also submitted that no individual role had been specified against the accused in the grounds of arrest.The defence pointed out that while police claimed around 50 people were protesting, only 17 had been arrested. It also argued that no CCTV footage of the alleged incident had been produced before the court.The defence further submitted that some of the accused had sustained injuries and their medical examinations had not been conducted immediately after the incident.The court observed that the allegations were serious and noted that a police official had allegedly sustained injuries. However, it said the right to protest peacefully could not be disputed, while assaulting police officials on duty was a serious concern.
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The court also noted that, except for the offence under Section 132 of the BNS, the offences invoked were bailable in nature. It further observed that the accused did not appear to be habitual offenders and had their entire careers ahead of them.Considering the facts and circumstances, the court ordered their release on bail subject to the specified conditions.The court directed that the accused be produced before the concerned court on October 6 and ordered that a copy of the bail order be supplied to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, for information and necessary compliance.
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