The Patiala House Court has reserved its decision on the bail plea of Neelam Azad, accused in the Parliament security breach case from last year. After hearing the arguments, Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur set September 11, 2024, as the date for the verdict.
Opposing the bail, Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh argued that there is strong evidence against Azad under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), making her ineligible for bail. The prosecution highlighted concerns regarding flight risk, witness tampering, and the severity of the charges, which include sections of UAPA for threatening national security.
Azad’s lawyer, Balraj Malik, criticized the application of UAPA, arguing that the case doesn’t pose a threat to economic security or sovereignty. He also questioned the prosecution’s narrative, stating that the accused were allegedly beaten in Parliament during the incident.
On June 7, 2024, the Delhi Police filed a 1000-page chargesheet against the six accused in the Parliament attack, including Azad. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had granted prosecution sanctions under UAPA against all six, citing sufficient evidence.
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The case, which involves allegations of throwing smoke canisters during a live Parliament session on December 13, 2023, remains under intense scrutiny as all accused remain in judicial custody.
