A Delhi court has framed criminal charges against Congress leader Alka Lamba for allegedly assaulting public servants during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The court cited video evidence and rejected her plea seeking discharge in the case.
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NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has framed criminal charges against Congress leader Alka Lamba in connection with a protest held at Jantar Mantar demanding the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court held that a prima facie case existed against Lamba and ordered that charges be framed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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Charges Framed Under BNS Provisions
The court framed charges against Alka Lamba under Sections 132, 221, 223(a), and 285 of the BNS, which relate to:
- Assault or use of criminal force against public servants
- Obstruction of public officials in the discharge of duties
- Disobedience of lawful orders
- Obstructing a public way
“This court is of the considered opinion that there exists a prima facie case against the accused,”
the magistrate observed while directing that charges be framed.
The court also dismissed Lamba’s application seeking discharge, stating that the plea lacked merit in light of the available material on record.
“Application moved on behalf of the accused seeking discharge/termination of the proceedings stands dismissed,”
the court ordered.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a protest held on July 29, 2024, at Jantar Mantar in support of women’s reservation in Parliament, during which Alka Lamba was allegedly the main speaker and protest leader.
According to the prosecution, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in the area. Authorities had denied permission for protesters to march towards Parliament.
Despite this, police alleged that Lamba and other protesters:
- Attempted to breach police barricades
- Raised slogans calling for a “gherao” of Parliament
- Pushed police personnel
- Blocked a public road by sitting on it
An FIR was subsequently registered at the Parliament Street police station.
Court’s Observations
Lamba’s counsel argued that the protest was peaceful and conducted within a designated protest zone, claiming there were:
- No independent witnesses
- No medical evidence of injuries to police personnel
- No video proof showing Lamba assaulting any officer
However, the court noted that video footage played during the hearing showed Alka Lamba actively instigating protesters, pushing police officials, jumping barricades, and leading demonstrators beyond the permitted protest area.
The magistrate observed that Lamba appeared to be at the forefront of the protest, playing a key role in encouraging others to obstruct the public way and violate prohibitory orders.
Appearance:
For Alka Lamba: Advocate Imran Ali
Case Title:
State v. Alka Lamba
Cr. Case No.14/2025
READ ORDER
