Delhi Court grants bail to Natasha Narwal in Delhi Riots case [Read order]

A Delhi Court on Thursday granted bail to Pinjra Tod activist, Natasha Narwal in a Delhi riots case filed against her (State v. Natasha Narwal)..The order passed today reads,.“Considering the period of incarceration, the grant of bail to co-accused Devangana Kalita by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and in the facts and circumstances of the case, the present bail application under Section 439 CrPC of accused is allowed and accused, Natasha Narwal, is admitted to bail on furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs 30,000 with one surety to the like amount..”Delhi Court.The order was passed by Judge Amitabh Rawat, Additional Sessions Court at Karkardooma..Narwal is an accused in as many as four FIRs pertaining to the anti-CAA protests and Delhi riots that took place earlier this year. She was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the case on May 24, 2020..Seeking her release on bail, counsel for Narwal argued that there was no need of her further incarceration since the chargesheet in the FIR had been filed in August..It was contended that there was no nexus between the subject matter of the FIR i.e unfortunate death of a one Amaan, and the acts allegedly committed by Narwal..Counsel for Narwal asserted that she was a peace loving citizen and satisfied the triple test for bail..Narwal’s role in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the Delhi riots was anyway being investigated by the Delhi Police in another FIR, it was further argued..Opposing Narwal’s release, Delhi Police informed the Court that a co-accused had disclosed that Narwal had instigated many persons to cause riots and pelt stones on police personnel..Delhi Police also claimed that Narwal is the main conspirator and instigator and was physically present at the road block which later spiralled into a communal riot..In its order, the Court noted that Narwal’s role was stated to be similar to that of co-accused Devangana Kalita, who had been enlarged on bail by the High Court..[Breaking] Delhi HC grants bail to Devangana Kalita in Delhi Riots case.The Court recorded that in the videos shown by the Investigating Officer, Narwal could be seen as part of an unlawful assembly, but the same did not show her indulging in or inciting violence..“I am mindful that there are statements under Section 161 CrPC & Section 164 CrPC against the accused Natasha Narwal regarding incitement”, the Court added..Further, in the absence of any allegation of threat to witnesses, whose identity was concealed in the present case, the Court opined that the prosecution could not seek Narwal's continued incarceration until the witnesses were examined..“At this stage, only bail is to be considered and not acquittal or conviction. Moreover, she is not a flight risk and the witnesses are police officials only or protected witnesses”, the Court remarked. .In view of the above, the Court granted bail to Narwal..The Court has directed Narwal to not get in touch with any witnesses or tamper with evidence or leave Delhi without permission..Advocates Adit S Pujari, Tusharika Mattoo and Kunal Negi represented Natasha Narwal. .Delhi Police was represented by SPP Rajeev K Sharma. .Read the Order: