RacialSlurCase – Delhi Court Reviews Bail Plea in Neighbour Dispute Case
RacialSlurCase – A Delhi court on Monday heard arguments in the bail applications of a couple accused of making offensive remarks toward their neighbours from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The accused, Harsh Priya Singh and Ruby Jain, told the court that the incident was a heated argument between neighbours rather than an act of racial discrimination. The matter was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Samar Vishal, who reserved the decision on the bail plea for Tuesday.
Defence Claims Argument Was a Personal Dispute
During the hearing, the defence counsel representing the couple argued that the confrontation stemmed from a sudden disagreement between residents living in the same property. According to the defence, both sides exchanged harsh language during the quarrel, and the comments made were part of an emotional exchange rather than targeted racial insults.
The lawyer told the court that the accused had no knowledge of the complainants’ tribal background. Because of this, the defence claimed, the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should not apply in the case. The counsel stated that the remarks were not intended to insult the women based on their identity or origin.
Question Raised Over Applicability of SC/ST Act
Another point raised by the defence focused on the location of the alleged incident. The counsel argued that the disagreement took place inside the rented premises where both parties were staying. According to the defence, this setting does not meet the legal definition of a public place, which is one of the conditions required for invoking certain provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The defence further informed the court that investigators had already collected all relevant evidence related to the case. As a result, they argued that keeping the accused in custody was unnecessary. The couple, through their legal representative, expressed their willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation whenever required.
Health Concerns Raised During Bail Hearing
The defence also highlighted the health condition of Ruby Jain while requesting bail. Her counsel told the court that she has been suffering from several medical issues and that her condition had worsened during her time in custody. This argument was presented as an additional reason for granting bail.
The couple was arrested on February 25 following complaints filed in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area. Authorities took them into custody after allegations surfaced that they had used abusive and derogatory language against three women from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Prosecution Describes Incident During Argument Over Debris
According to the prosecution, the conflict began after a disagreement related to debris left behind following the installation of an air conditioner. During the argument, the accused allegedly made offensive remarks directed at the women, which led to the filing of the complaint.
Investigators said the dispute escalated quickly, prompting authorities to register a case under relevant legal provisions. The prosecution maintains that the comments made during the confrontation were discriminatory and serious enough to warrant action under the law.
Separate Case Involving Assault on Manipur Woman
In a separate incident reported in Delhi, police detained four juveniles for allegedly attacking a woman from Manipur. Officials said the incident occurred on Sunday near a park located close to the Saket district court complex.
According to police, the woman was walking in the park with a friend when a group of boys made comments that she objected to. The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, after which the suspects were apprehended.
Authorities said the matter is currently under investigation, and further legal procedures will follow based on the findings.