Tue Apr 29 07:25:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Delays Bail Hearing for Parliament Breach Accused
**New Delhi, April 29, 2025** – The Delhi High Court adjourned until May 7th the bail hearing for two individuals arrested in connection with the 2023 Parliament security breach. The adjournment was granted due to the unavailability of the additional solicitor general representing the prosecution.
Neelam Azad, the sole female accused, and Mahesh Kumawat are seeking bail. Azad’s counsel argued against the postponement, claiming it was a delaying tactic. The court, however, overruled the objection.
The case centers around a security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D allegedly entered the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing gas canisters and shouting slogans. Simultaneously, Azad and Amol Shinde allegedly deployed gas canisters outside the building.
The court is questioning the application of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to the use of non-lethal smoke canisters. The court raised concerns that such an interpretation could broadly criminalize similar actions during events like Holi celebrations or IPL matches. The prosecution has been asked to address this issue.
Azad’s defense argues that UAPA charges are inappropriate as she did not carry explosives and was outside the Parliament building. The prosecution, however, contends that the actions were intended to evoke memories of the 2001 attack and disrupted India’s sovereignty and integrity. The trial court previously denied Azad bail, citing sufficient evidence against her and the prior threat from designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu to target Parliament on December 13, 2023. Four individuals were arrested at the scene, while Jha and Kumawat were apprehended later.
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