Delhi High Court dismisses Neha Bora's plea regarding peace bond

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition filed by All India Students' Association (AISA) President Neha Bora regarding a 'peace bond'. The petition challenged a police notice requiring her to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000 and a surety to ensure the maintenance of peace.

Neha Bora was taken into police custody for leading a protest held at Mandi House on October 16. Subsequently, the Delhi Special Executive Magistrate directed her to submit a bond of Rs 10,000, with an undertaking to maintain peace until the investigation is concluded. This action was taken under Sections 126, 130, and 135(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Neha meanwhile approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the legal validity of the Magistrate's directive.

The lawyer appearing for Neha argued that the protest was peaceful and that seeking regime change was normal in a democracy. However, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma contended that the Special Executive Magistrate initiated precautionary measures, taking into account that the protest and the raising of slogans violated prohibitory orders.

The court dismissed Neha Bora’s petition and directed the magistrate to strictly follow legal procedures during further proceedings. The court also specified that all documents and information relied upon in connection with the case must be made available to the petitioner.