New Delhi, 25 February (H.S.): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed city police to submit their stance on a petition filed by Congress leader Alka Lamba, contesting an FIR and subsequent charges linked to an alleged assault on police personnel during a 2024 protest at Jantar Mantar.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma issued formal notice to the police regarding Lamba's plea, which demands the quashing of the FIR, chargesheet, and all related proceedings, including the framing of charges.
The court mandated a detailed response from the authorities to expedite judicial scrutiny.
The controversy stems from a July 29, 2024, demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where Lamba and supporters rallied for women's reservation legislation. Prosecutors accuse her of obstructing police operations and unlawfully blocking public thoroughfares, escalating into claims of personnel assault amid the unrest.
Lamba's counsel argues the FIR represents political vendetta, typical in protest-related cases involving opposition figures. This development underscores ongoing tensions between activists and law enforcement in Delhi's high-profile public agitations, with the High Court's intervention poised to shape precedents on protest rights versus public order.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
