New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday directed the counsel representing several Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders to furnish bail bonds on May 13, in connection with a case stemming from their protest outside the Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier this month.
The case involves ten prominent TMC members, including MPs Derek O’Brien, Mohd Nadimul Haque, Dola Sen, Saket Gokhle, and Sagarika Ghosh, along with leaders Vivek Gupta, Arpita Ghosh, Santanu Sen, Abir Ranjan Bishwas, and Sudip Raha.
Of the ten, only Vivek Gupta appeared in person before the court. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Mittal granted exemption from personal appearance to eight others, who were represented by counsel.
During proceedings, the court was informed that the summons issued to Shantanu Sen had not been served, as he was reportedly not residing at the address on record. Consequently, a fresh summons has been issued for him.
The case relates to an incident on April 8, 2024, when the accused allegedly assembled and staged a protest outside the main gate of the ECI headquarters in New Delhi, ahead of the upcoming General Elections. According to the prosecution, the leaders held placards and banners and violated prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC, which restricts unlawful assembly.
Despite repeated police warnings, the protest reportedly continued, prompting authorities to file an FIR for disobedience under Sections 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 145 (joining or continuing in unlawful assembly), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
On April 21, ACJM Mittal had taken cognisance of the Delhi Police’s charge sheet and a complaint under Section 195 CrPC, and subsequently issued summons for all ten TMC leaders.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 13, by which time the bail bonds must be furnished by the accused through their legal representatives.
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