Delhi Police arrested two women activists of the ‘Pinjra Tod’ organization on May 23, 2020; an incident that garnered much attention. Police arrested them in relation to Jafrabad protests against CAA/NRC in the month of February. Being that, a special hearing took place in Mandoli jail on May 24, 2020; charging them under Section 186, 341, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code.
Soon enough, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate granted them bail. However, FIR was lodged against them in another case; charging them under Section 307, 120B of the Indian Penal Code, and other offences under the infamous Arms Act and Prevention of Destruction of Public Property Act. It was in relation to the riots that erupted in the North East Delhi on February 24, 2020. In effect, the Delhi Police Crime Branch remanded them for two days.
Observations by the Court
The court contended that Section 353 is not maintainable; they were merely protesting against CAA and NRC. Moreover, They have strong roots in society and are well educated. The court, in the light of COVID-19 pandemic, declined the application of Police remand and granted bail to the Pinjra Tod activists. However, such relief did not last long. The Investigating Officer moved another application to keep them in custody for 14 days in relation to another FIR. Initially, the court directed the police to interrogate them for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the court directed to give their custody to the Crime branch for two days. Accordingly, they will be produced before the court on May 26, 2020.
