Delhi Police Strongly Opposes Bail for Parliament Security Breach Accused in High Court
In a significant development, the Delhi Police on Monday vehemently opposed the bail applications of two individuals accused in the high-profile 2023 Parliament security breach case. The police argued before the Delhi High Court that the actions of the accused, which involved carrying inflammable material inside the Parliament premises and creating a scene that terrorised the minds of Members of Parliament, cannot be condoned under any circumstances.
Details of the 2023 Parliament Security Breach Incident
The incident occurred on December 13, 2023, which coincidentally marked the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, two accused, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, allegedly jumped from the public gallery into the chamber. They released yellow gas from canisters and raised slogans before being overpowered by some MPs.
Simultaneously, outside the Parliament premises, two other accused, Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad, sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting anti-establishment slogans, including tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship will not be tolerated). It is noteworthy that Neelam Azad and another accused, Mahesh Kumawat, were granted bail by the High Court in July last year.
Police Arguments Against Granting Bail
During the hearing before a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Sudha Jain, the Delhi Police counsel submitted that Manoranjan and Sagar were the lead players in what they described as a high-level conspiracy. The police emphasized that their actions, which were broadcast live on television, created widespread havoc and posed a serious threat.
The police counsel stated, There was a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. They terrorised the minds of parliamentarians, the staff, and those watching. Additionally, the police highlighted that pamphlets carried by the accused contained an open threat to the Prime Minister and indicated an intention to usurp power.
Further strengthening their opposition, the Delhi Police argued that if released on bail, the accused could potentially influence material witnesses who have yet to be examined in the case. They also expressed concerns that the accused might abscond, thereby hindering the judicial process.
Defense Counterarguments and Court Proceedings
In response, the counsel for the accused countered the prosecution's arguments by pointing out that the Delhi High Court had previously granted bail to two co-accused in the same case after considering similar submissions made by the prosecution. This precedent was presented to support the bail pleas of the current applicants.
The High Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on March 17, 2025, allowing both sides to prepare their arguments in detail. This case continues to draw significant attention due to its implications for national security and parliamentary safety.
