Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has framed charges against Congress leader Alka Lamba in the case of attack on police during the demonstration at Janata Mantar demanding implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rouse Avenue Court’s Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar has framed charges against Alka Lamba for assault on government employees, use of criminal force, obstruction in the work of government officials, disobedience to legal orders and obstruction on public road.
The court said that prima facie a case is made out against accused Alka Lamba under section 132/221/223(a)/285 of BNS. Therefore, it is directed to frame charges against the accused under the provisions mentioned above. Along with this, the court also rejected the application of Alka Lamba demanding acquittal in the case. The Court ordered that the petition sought by the accused seeking discharge/dismissal of the proceedings is dismissed and disposed of in view of the above reasons.
What did Alka Lamba’s lawyer say?
During the hearing, Alka Lamba’s lawyer argued that the protest was peaceful and took place in a designated area where gathering was allowed. It was also said that there were no independent witnesses, no medical report of injuries and video evidence did not show Alka Lamba attacking any police officer. But, the court found that the video footage played during the hearing showed Lamba instigating the protesters, pushing police officers, jumping barricades and taking the protesters out of the designated protest area.
The court observed that the accused was seen at the forefront of the protest and played an important role in instigating others to break the police barricade and create obstruction on the public road. Therefore, the court started the process of framing charges against Lamba.
What is the matter?
This case is related to a protest in support of women’s reservation in Parliament on July 29, 2024, in which Alka Lamba is accused of being the main speaker. According to the prosecution, restrictions were imposed under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) in the area around Jantar Mantar Road. Permission to march towards Parliament was clearly refused.
Delhi Police alleged that despite repeated warnings, Alka Lamba and other protesters tried to break the barricade. They raised slogans of siege of Parliament, pushed the policemen and blocked a public road by sitting on it. After the incident, FIR was registered at Parliament Street Police Station.
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