Judiciary – Delhi Court Grants Interim Bail to Parliament Breach Accused for Family Rituals
Judiciary – A Delhi court has granted temporary relief to an accused in the Parliament security breach case, allowing him to complete essential family obligations following his father’s death.
A Delhi court has approved a 30-day interim bail for Sagar Sharma, one of the accused in the December 2023 Parliament security breach case, citing humanitarian considerations. The relief was granted to enable Sharma to carry out the post-cremation rituals of his late father, who reportedly passed away after battling cancer. The court made it clear that the decision was based entirely on compassionate grounds and should not be interpreted as a reflection on the merits of the criminal proceedings pending against him.
Court Emphasises Humanitarian Grounds
Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal passed the order on July 17, with the details becoming publicly available on Tuesday. During the hearing, Sharma informed the court that his father died on July 14 and that, as the only male member of the family, he was responsible for performing the traditional post-cremation ceremonies.
The court observed that the temporary bail had been granted solely to facilitate these family responsibilities. It specifically clarified that the order should not influence the ongoing investigation or future judicial proceedings connected to the Parliament security breach case. The prosecution did not object to Sharma’s request during the hearing.
Strict Conditions Attached to Temporary Relief
While allowing interim bail, the court imposed several conditions to ensure Sharma’s cooperation with the legal process. He has been directed not to make any public comments regarding the case through television, newspapers, digital media, or social media platforms during the bail period.
The court also instructed Sharma to furnish a personal bail bond and a surety bond of Rs 50,000 each. In addition, he must attend court hearings through virtual mode whenever required, report to the concerned police station three times every week, and refrain from seeking an extension of the interim bail beyond the approved period.
The order further requires him to avoid any activity that could interfere with the investigation. He has been warned against influencing witnesses, tampering with evidence, or becoming involved in any offence of a similar nature while remaining out on interim bail.
Background of the Parliament Security Breach
The case relates to the security breach that took place inside Parliament on December 13, 2023. According to investigators, Sagar Sharma and co-accused Manoranjan D allegedly entered the Lok Sabha chamber, released coloured smoke canisters, and shouted slogans during the incident. The breach raised serious concerns over the security arrangements inside the Parliament complex and led to criminal proceedings against multiple accused under various legal provisions.
The matter remains under judicial consideration, and the investigation continues in accordance with the applicable law. The court’s latest order does not alter the status of the criminal case, which will proceed independently after the interim bail period concludes.
Delhi High Court Issues Separate Bail Directions
In another significant development, the Delhi High Court declined to suspend the bail granted to Kashmiri activist Khuram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Although the High Court refused to stay their bail, it introduced additional conditions aimed at ensuring continued cooperation with investigators. Both Parvez and Mehraj have been instructed to report to the investigating officer twice every week as part of the revised bail requirements while the legal proceedings continue.
The latest court orders in both matters highlight the judiciary’s approach of balancing humanitarian concerns, procedural safeguards, and the ongoing requirements of criminal investigations.