New Delhi, 20 December (H.S.): The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has ordered the framing of charges against Congress leader Alka Lamba in connection with a case related to the violation of prohibitory orders during a protest at Jantar Mantar in 2024 over the issue of women’s reservation.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ashwini Panwar issued the order and scheduled the next hearing for January 5, 2026.The court observed that Lamba was seen in video footage obstructing a public servant from performing official duties, allegedly crossing barricades and instigating protestors during the demonstration.

On this basis, the court directed that formal charges be framed against her under Sections 132, 221, and 223A of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

Earlier, on October 15, the court had instructed Lamba’s counsel to obtain a copy of the chargesheet in a pen drive format, while on August 20, it had taken cognizance of the Delhi Police’s chargesheet and issued summons to her under Sections 221, 223A, 132, and 285 of the BNS.The case stems from a protest organised by the All India Mahila Congress at Jantar Mantar on July 29, 2024, demanding the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill. Alka Lamba was the chief speaker at the event.

At that time, Delhi Police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in and around the protest site.

According to the prosecution, Lamba allegedly violated the prohibitory orders by reaching the Tolstoy Marg barricades around 1:30 p.m. along with other demonstrators and raising slogans aimed at marching toward Parliament. Senior police officers present at the site reportedly used loudspeakers to inform protestors about the restrictions and instructed them to disperse, warning that legal action would follow for defiance.

Despite repeated warnings, Lamba and her supporters allegedly pushed female and male police personnel, breached the barricades, and some protestors blocked Parliament Street. After persistent resistance, police detained Lamba and her associates.

Subsequently, an FIR was registered against her based on the statement of Sub-Inspector Anita Singh, confirming her involvement in violating lawful orders and obstructing police officers on duty.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar