New Delhi, June 6:A Delhi court on Saturday released former MLA Alka Lamba on probation of good conduct for one year in connection with a protest held in support of the Women's Reservation Act at Jantar Mantar in July 2024.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar directed Lamba to furnish a bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. The court said the benefit was granted considering her character, clean antecedents, and the circumstances surrounding the offence.
The court noted that Lamba is a first-time offender and no previous conviction was placed on record by the prosecution. It observed that the reformative theory of punishment aims to rehabilitate offenders and deemed her fit for probation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
However, the court warned that she must maintain peace and good behaviour during the probation period and refrain from committing similar offences. Any violation could result in her being summoned for sentencing in the case.
Lamba was convicted on May 25 for exceeding permitted protest limits on July 29, 2024. The court had observed that she crossed police barricades, pushed police personnel, and obstructed a public way during the demonstration. While noting that no injuries or property damage occurred, the court said a former lawmaker was expected to be aware of restrictions governing public protests.
Her counsel argued that she was participating in a peaceful demonstration supporting the Women's Reservation Act, that no harm was caused to anyone, and sought leniency considering her status as a first-time offender and public figure.
