The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to Delhi Police on a petition filed by activist Natasha Narwal challenging a trial court order that denied her permission to visit the United Kingdom for an academic conference. Narwal, an accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, is currently out on bail.
Justice Amit Bansal sought the police’s response to Narwal’s petition and scheduled the next hearing for October 15.
Narwal has sought permission to travel to the UK between November 2 and December 1 to attend an academic conference. Her counsel urged the High Court to decide the matter urgently, explaining that she would need sufficient time to obtain a visa and arrange travel tickets.
The court was informed that Narwal’s passport had been surrendered in connection with the criminal proceedings and would have to be released before she could apply for a visa.
Trial Court Had Rejected Travel Request
On October 6, the trial court declined Narwal’s application for permission to travel abroad, citing the gravity of the allegations against her and the current stage of the criminal proceedings.
Narwal subsequently approached the High Court to challenge that decision in the case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Background of the Delhi Riots Case
Delhi Police named Narwal as an accused in three FIRs connected with the 2020 northeast Delhi violence, including the larger conspiracy case registered under the anti-terror law.
The violence erupted on February 24, 2020, following clashes between supporters and opponents of the citizenship law. At least 53 people were killed and approximately 700 others suffered injuries.
The police have accused Narwal, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Umar Khalid and several others of being among the principal conspirators behind the violence, which occurred during the visit of US President Donald Trump and other dignitaries to the national capital.
High Court Granted Bail in June 2021
Narwal and fellow activist Devangana Kalita were granted bail by the Delhi High Court in June 2021 in the UAPA case.
While granting bail, the High Court had expressed concern over the distinction between constitutionally protected protests and terrorist activities being blurred in efforts to suppress dissent. It had cautioned that allowing such an approach to gain acceptance would have serious consequences for democracy.
The High Court will now consider Narwal’s challenge to the travel restriction on October 15, after seeking Delhi Police’s response.
