Congress Leader Alka Lamba Charged by Delhi Court in Jantar Mantar Protest Case

In a significant development, a Delhi court on December 20 framed charges against Congress leader and Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba in connection with a protest held at Jantar Mantar last year. The protest had demanded the implementation of women’s reservation ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Rouse Avenue Court dismissed Lamba’s plea seeking discharge from the case.

The court held that sufficient material existed to proceed against Lamba under Sections 132, 221, 223(a), and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections relate to assault or use of criminal force against public servants, obstruction of officials, disobedience of lawful orders, and creating danger or obstruction in a public way.

The case stems from a demonstration organised on July 29, when prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force at Jantar Mantar. According to the prosecution, permission to march towards Parliament had been denied, yet the protest allegedly moved beyond the designated area, with Lamba acting as the main speaker and leader.

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While considering the matter, the court observed that at the stage of framing charges, it is only required to assess whether there is material raising grave suspicion against the accused. It clarified that the probative value of evidence cannot be examined at this stage and that prosecution material must be accepted as true for the purpose of framing charges.

The magistrate noted that video footage showed Lamba allegedly pushing police personnel, instigating protesters to jump barricades, and leading demonstrators who pushed women police officers forming a security chain. Protesters were also seen lying on the road, obstructing public movement, before Lamba allegedly crossed barricades and proceeded towards Tolstoy Road.

Rejecting Lamba’s claim that the protest was peaceful and confined to a designated area, the court held that such arguments would be examined during trial. Concluding that a prima facie case existed, the court ordered that charges be formally framed, paving the way for the trial to proceed in the coming months.

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