Delhi police seek extension for Indian Parliament security breach investigation

The Delhi Police has filed a petition in the high court requesting a 90-day extension to finalize the charge sheet and conclude investigations into the parliament security breach case.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hardeep Kaur notified all the accused, directing them to respond to the police application by March 11.

The accused individuals face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Under Section 43D of the UAPA, the court may grant an extension of time based on a report submitted by the investigating agency detailing the progress of the investigation and the reasons for detaining the accused beyond 90 days.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh, representing the Delhi Police Special Cell, explained that the extension is necessary due to the extensive digital data retrieved during the investigation and pending reports.

The incident, reminiscent of the 2001 parliament attacks, occurred on December 13, 2023, when two of the six arrested individuals - Sagar Sharma (26) and Manoranjan D (34) - breached security by entering the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They released colored smoke from canisters and shouted slogans.

Simultaneously, two more accused individuals - Amol Shinde (25) and Neelam Devi (37) - discharged colored smoke and chanted "tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not prevail) outside the Parliament premises. The case was initiated following a complaint filed by the Deputy Director (Security) of Parliament.