A Delhi court has delivered a verdict convicting Congress leader Alka Lamba for her involvement in an altercation with police during a protest advocating for women’s reservation in Parliament. The protest took place at Jantar Mantar, a prominent venue for demonstrations, with the aim of pressing for the implementation of women’s reservation in the legislative body ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Presiding over the case, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court found Lamba guilty of committing offenses under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Specifically, Lamba was convicted under Section 132, which pertains to assault or the use of criminal force to deter a public servant from duty, Section 221 for intentional obstruction of a public servant, Section 223a for disobedience of lawful orders, and Section 285 for causing danger or obstruction in a public way.
The court meticulously evaluated the evidence presented, including documentary evidence and witness depositions, and concluded that the prosecution successfully proved both the actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea (the guilty mind) required for conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. “Based on the documentary evidence and deposition of the witnesses, as well as the other material on record, this Court has no hesitation in concluding that the accused is liable to be convicted for all the charges she faces,” stated the court.
Judge Panwar announced that arguments regarding Lamba’s sentencing will be heard on June 5. The court had initially framed charges against Lamba on December 19, 2025, and had previously dismissed her plea for discharge from the case.
The incident in question occurred on July 29, 2024, during a protest in favor of implementing women’s reservation in Parliament, where Lamba was reportedly a key speaker. According to the prosecution, the protest violated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that were in effect in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar Road. Despite explicit denial of permission to march toward Parliament, Lamba and other protesters allegedly attempted to breach police barricades, called for the “gherao” of Parliament, clashed with police personnel, and obstructed a public road.
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An FIR was subsequently registered at the Parliament Street police station following the protest. In defense, Lamba’s legal counsel contended that the protest was peaceful and conducted within a designated area for assemblies. They further argued that there were no independent witnesses or medical reports of injuries, and that video evidence failed to show Lamba assaulting any police officer.
