Delhi court grants bail to 17 protesters accused of vandalism in anti-SIR rally

In a late-night hearing, Judicial Magistrate First Class Animesh Tripathi of Patiala House Courts released 17 protesters on bail after they were charged with vandalism, property damage and assault during an anti-SIR rally in Delhi. The demonstration, involving members of the National Students’ Union of India and Indian Youth Congress, targeted alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and led to clashes with security personnel, including injuries to a female police officer.

Delhi Police had asked for 14-day judicial custody, arguing the accused might repeat violence, but defence counsel Saimon Farooqui highlighted the lack of specific evidence and CCTV footage. The court noted the seriousness of the allegations, referencing a Medico-Legal Certificate, yet emphasized the youths’ non-habitual status and set bail at ₹15,000 per person with a surety. Two detainees claimed custodial torture, prompting the court to direct the police to file a report and preserve CCTV from Parliament Street police station. The remaining accused are expected to be released after posting bail bonds.