Court Reserves Bail Order for Neelam Azad in Parliament Security Breach Case

The Patiala House Court has reserved its decision on Neelam Azad's bail plea in the Parliament security breach case. The order will be pronounced on September 11, 2024. Special Public Prosecutor opposed the bail citing substantial evidence, while the defense argued against the misuse of UAPA to silence dissent.

The Patiala House Court on Monday reserved its order on the bail plea of Neelam Azad, implicated in last year's Parliament security breach case. Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur announced that the court would pronounce its decision on September 11, 2024, after hearing the arguments from both sides.

Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh opposed Azad's bail, arguing that compelling and credible evidence exists against her, pointing to her alleged involvement under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Singh asserted that Azad poses a flight risk, could influence witnesses, and might tamper with evidence if granted bail. He highlighted the severity of the offense, which allegedly compromises national security.

Conversely, defense counsel Balraj Malik contended that the prosecution's claims do not threaten economic security or sovereignty and criticized the use of the UAPA to stifle dissent. He alleged that the accused were beaten in Parliament, challenging the prosecution's depiction of the events. On June 7, 2024, Delhi Police filed a 1000-page chargesheet against Azad and five others, who are all currently in judicial custody.

(With inputs from agencies.)