New Delhi, May 21 (HS): Delhi Police clarified that they provided reasons for the arrests of individuals involved in the recent breach of Parliament security, as mandated by the case diary and detailed in the arrest memo. The Delhi High Court is currently deliberating on the bail applications of two accused, having reserved its decision on May 20. The court raised questions about the applicability of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against those who entered Parliament unlawfully, emphasizing that such actions are serious but questioning if UAPA charges can be justified.

ASG Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, was asked about whether carrying a smoke canister into Parliament falls under UAPA, noting that alternative legal provisions could have been considered. The Patiala House Court previously denied bail to accused individuals Manoranjan D. and Mahesh Kumawat based on a lengthy charge sheet that claims the accused plotted for two years to attack Parliament to undermine democracy.

On December 13, 2023, two accused infiltrated the Parliament chamber, leading to chaos when one released yellow smoke, prompting intervention from MPs and security. Additional arrests were made outside Parliament of others engaging in similar disruptive behavior. Those charged under UAPA include Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar