Delhi Police Moves SC Against Bail Granted To Pinjra Tod Activists

Pinjra Tod Activists: The Delhi Police moved to Supreme Court on Wednesday against the bail order issued against the student activists Natasha Narwal, Asif Iqbal Tanha and Devangana Kalita. The three activists had been granted bail on Tuesday by Delhi High Court.

The Delhi High Court, in its order of June 15 said, "it seems, that in its anxiety to suppress dissent, in the mind of the State, the line between the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest and terrorist activity seems to be getting somewhat blurred. If this mindset gains traction, it would be a sad day for democracy." The court's statement on the UAPA anti-terror law was applauded by many. The parents of bailed activists had also celebrated the decision.

Over a year ago in May 2020, Pinjra Tod activists Devangana Kalta, Natasha Narwal and student activist Asif Iqbal Tanha were arrested. They were accused of having a role in the Northeast Delhi riots of the same year. Apart from the conspiracy charges, they were also booked under the Unlawful Activity (Prevention) Act.

When Natasha Narwal was granted bail later in the year by the court, she wasn't set free as the UAPA still applied on her and bail does not apply on the act under its section 43 D (5). Pinjra Tod activists Narwal and Devangana Kalita have been in Tihar jail since while Tanha was recently out on a week-long bail to give his exams.

The activists have been asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties. They have also been asked to not leave the country and provide their phone numbers to the local SHO. Apart from that, they are asked to not temper the evidence or contact the prosecution witnesses.

Narwal was recently released on bail to perform the last rites of her father who died of COVID-19.