Court Ack Parliament Breach Charges 2001
Parliament Security Breach: Court Takes Notice of Supplementary Charge Sheet
In a significant development, a Delhi court on Saturday took cognizance of a supplementary charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Parliament security breach that occurred last year on the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack. Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur acknowledged the charge sheet, asserting that there was sufficient evidence to proceed against the six accused in the case.
The accused, identified as Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad, have had their judicial custody extended until September 9, when the court will resume hearing the matter. The police had filed the final report after obtaining the necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused under the UAPA, a law designed to combat unlawful activities and terrorism.
On June 7, the Delhi Police had submitted an extensive charge sheet, approximately 1,000 pages long, detailing the involvement of the six accused in the security breach. The incident, which marked a major lapse in security protocols, took place on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, a day already steeped in the memory of a significant national tragedy.
During the breach, two of the accused, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, managed to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by Members of Parliament (MPs). This dramatic and dangerous intrusion highlighted the potential vulnerabilities in the security arrangements of one of India’s most critical institutions.
Simultaneously, two other accused, Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad, sprayed colored gas from canisters while shouting “tanashahi nahi chalegi” (dictatorship will not prevail) outside the Parliament premises. Their coordinated actions were clearly intended to disrupt proceedings and draw attention to their cause, though the specific motivations behind their actions remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The charge sheet elaborates on the roles and actions of each accused, painting a detailed picture of the planning and execution of the breach. It underscores the use of gas canisters, the coordination among the accused, and their intent to create chaos within the Parliament premises. The supplementary charge sheet further strengthens the prosecution’s case by providing additional evidence and clarifications that support the charges under the UAPA.
The UAPA is one of India’s primary legal tools for countering terrorism and ensuring national security. Its stringent provisions are designed to deal with acts that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. By filing the charge sheet under this act, the Delhi Police have signaled the seriousness with which they are treating this breach, highlighting the potential threat it posed to national security.
As the case progresses, it will likely draw significant public and media attention, given the high-profile nature of the incident and its implications for national security. The court’s decision to extend the judicial custody of the accused until September 9 indicates that the judicial process will be thorough, ensuring that all aspects of the case are carefully examined.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the investigation has stated that the case represents a critical juncture in efforts to safeguard India’s democratic institutions. The breach has prompted a reevaluation of security protocols within the Parliament, aiming to prevent any future incidents of a similar nature.
The case also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in maintaining the safety and security of critical national institutions in an era where threats can come from unexpected quarters. The judicial proceedings in this case will not only determine the fate of the accused but also set important precedents for handling similar incidents in the future.
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