Delhi High Court Affirms Movement Rights of Karni Sena Leader
The Delhi High Court has confirmed that Dr. Raj Shekhawat, President of the Rashtriya Karni Sena, retains his freedom of movement. However, his participation in any protest must adhere strictly to legal protocols. This directive was issued by a Division Bench composed of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan during a hearing on a habeas corpus plea filed by Shekhawat, alleging his illegal house arrest.
Allegations of Unlawful Detainment
Advocate Lokesh Bhardwaj, representing Shekhawat, argued before the court that the Delhi Police had unlawfully detained Shekhawat, confining him to house arrest to thwart his leadership of a protest against the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations. Despite these claims, the Delhi Police countered that Shekhawat had not been formally arrested or detained in any case.
Court’s Decision and Further Proceedings
After reviewing the submissions, the bench acknowledged that Shekhawat was not under detention, thus allowing him the liberty to move freely. However, the court emphasized that any protest activity by Shekhawat must comply with the law. In the words of the court: “Insofar as the allegation of detention is concerned, in view of the statement made by the learned Counsels for the Delhi Police to the effect that the Petitioner has not been detained, no further relief urgently needs to be granted in this matter. The statement of the Delhi Police is accepted and the Petitioner is free to move around. However, if there is any protest that the Petitioner wishes to participate in, the same shall be in accordance with law.” The court scheduled the next hearing for September 1.
Urgent Hearing and Legal Representation
The matter was brought to the High Court’s attention for an urgent hearing by Shekhawat’s legal team, which included Advocates Lokesh Bhardwaj, Himanshu Sharma, Rahul Bhardwaj, Abhishek Tyagi, Jatin, Geetika Ojha, and Ashishwarya Raj Singh. They informed a bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia that Shekhawat was allegedly intercepted by Delhi Police while preparing to join protests at Jantar Mantar. Consequently, the High Court agreed to hear the case promptly. During the hearing, the police reiterated that no arrest had been made.
Representatives for the Delhi Police in this matter included Hitesh Wali and Abhinav Kumar.
