Delhi Court Grants Bail to Six Protesters in Kartavya Path Agitation Case
A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to six protesters arrested in connection with an agitation at Kartavya Path, where slogans were allegedly raised in support of slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. The court said the accused were not required for further custodial interrogation and found no grounds to deny them relief.
Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal heard the bail pleas of Ilakkiya, Ayisha Wafiya, Ravjot Kaur, Gurkirat Kaur, Abhinash Satyapathi and Kranti. Each of them had spent nearly one month in judicial custody following their arrest.
Court Sees No Threat to Investigation
While granting bail, the court observed that the prosecution failed to show any reasonable apprehension that the accused could influence witnesses, tamper with evidence, or flee the country. The judge noted that prolonged custody would serve no purpose at this stage of the investigation.
“The applicants have already suffered custody of about one month each, and it appears they are not required for any further investigation,” the court said in its order. The judge added that the material on record did not justify continued detention.
No Membership of Banned Maoist Group Found
The court also addressed concerns raised by the prosecution regarding alleged links to banned organisations. It clarified that none of the accused were members of the banned Maoist student outfit Radical Student Union (RSU).
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The order further stated that Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch (BSCEM) and Himkhand, organisations associated with the accused, are not banned under law. “It is not the case of the prosecution that BSCEM or Himkhand is a banned group or organisation,” the court noted.
Bail Conditions Imposed by Court
The court directed each accused to furnish a personal bail bond and a surety bond of ₹50,000. It also laid down strict conditions to ensure their cooperation with the investigation.
The accused have been barred from leaving India without prior permission of the court. They must not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses and are required to join the investigation whenever summoned by the police. Additionally, they must appear before the Station House Officer of Kartavya Path police station every second Wednesday until the chargesheet is filed.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on November 23 during a protest organised under the banner of the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air. Police alleged that members affiliated with Students’ Federation of India (SFI), BSCEM and Himkhand participated in the agitation.
The police claimed that protesters blocked traffic on the C-Hexagon Road, obstructed police personnel from performing their duties, and raised slogans unrelated to air pollution. Investigators also alleged that one of the accused handed over a pepper spray to a co-accused, who sprayed it on a police constable, causing simple injuries.
In total, 23 protesters were arrested in two separate cases registered at the Parliament Street and Kartavya Path police stations.
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