The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita and Asif Iqbal Tanha, in a Delhi Riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A bench comprising of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Anup J. Bhambhani held that prima facie, no offence under sections 15, 17 or 18 of the UAPA is made-out on the basis of the material on record in the present case against the three.
Granting bail to Narwal, the court said: "we can discern no specific or particularised allegation, much less any material to bear-out the allegation, that the appellant incited violence, what to talk of committing a terrorist act or a conspiracy or act preparatory to the commission of a terrorist act as understood in the UAPA."
The court noted that it is constrained to express, that 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", said the court.
The court said bail to three was subject to personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two local sureties. And the conditions also include the three surrendering their passports and not indulging in activities, which could hamper the case.
The news has been welcomed by many Indians across the country. Many have taken to Twitter to praise Delhi HC for upholding the right to protest.
Here's how people are reacting to the news. Have a look.
With inputs from IANS.
