A Delhi court has determined that a prima facie case exists against Congress functionary Alka Lamba concerning a protest at Jantar Mantar that demanded the implementation of women's reservation in Parliament ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The court has ordered the formal framing of charges against her.
Court's Prima Facie Observation and Charges
On December 19, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar observed that the material on record indicated Lamba's involvement in the alleged offences. The court stated her acts constituted grave offences, including obstructing a public servant under Section 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant under Section 132 of the BNS.
The magistrate noted that Alka Lamba appeared to be at the "forefront of the protest" and played an "instrumental role" in encouraging others to breach police barricades and obstruct public movement. The court has scheduled the matter for the formal framing of charges on January 5.
Details of the Jantar Mantar Protest Incident
The case originates from July 29, 2024. According to the prosecution, despite permission being denied for a protest, Lamba arrived at Jantar Mantar with supporters. Police records indicate that Neetu Verma Soni, general secretary of the All India Mahila Congress, had sought permission via letters on July 11 and July 23. The rejection was communicated on July 24, 2024.
It is alleged that the accused and her supporters "pushed both female and male police officials", jumped over barricades, and some protesters blocked the road opposite Free Church by lying on the main road, hindering public movement.
Defence Arguments and Court's Rebuttal
The defence argued that the protest was "peaceful and lawful" and conducted within Jantar Mantar's exempted zone. They contended there were no independent witnesses, as all present were police officers, and submitted that available video footage did not show Lamba pushing or assaulting police personnel but depicted protesters sitting or standing peacefully.
The court, however, stated that the videos showed otherwise and directed Alka Lamba to appear at the next hearing. The magistrate upheld the prosecution's version based on the evidence presented.
