New Delhi: JNU student and All India Students Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora appeared before a Special Executive Magistrate in New Delhi on Saturday in connection with a notice asking her to furnish a bond to maintain peace for one year.
Bora arrived at the hearing with police security. During the proceedings, the magistrate asked her what she knew about Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
“As far as I know, no slogans or unlawful gathering shouldn’t be there,” Bora replied, according to a report by The Tribune.
Her lawyer sought one week to submit a formal response to the notice. The legal team also asked for documents related to the show-cause notice and the digital evidence referred to during the proceedings.
Police Say Digital Evidence Will Be Provided
During the hearing, lawyers representing Bora sought access to video evidence mentioned earlier in the proceedings. They were informed that the material would be provided to them on a pen drive.
Police representatives also addressed Bora’s publicly stated position that she would not sign the peace bond. According to the report, they said she could decline to sign it but should submit a reply to the notice.
The magistrate proceedings will now involve consideration of the response sought by Bora’s legal team.
Why Neha Bora Is Being Asked To Furnish A Peace Bond
The proceedings stem from an inquiry following Bora’s detention during an anti-Chief Election Commissioner protest on October 16.
The notice required her to execute a personal bond of Rs 10,000, along with one surety, to maintain peace for a period of one year.
Ahead of Saturday’s hearing, Bora held a press conference and said she would not sign the bond, adding that she would continue to challenge the requirement in court. She argued that such a bond could restrict people from protesting in a democracy.
Delhi High Court Had Dismissed Her Plea
On Friday, the Delhi High Court dismissed Bora’s plea challenging the notice requiring her to furnish the peace bond.
The dismissal came a day before her appearance before the Special Executive Magistrate. Bora’s legal team is continuing to contest the requirement through the proceedings related to the notice.
The next steps will depend on the reply submitted by her lawyer and the subsequent consideration of the matter by the authorities.
