Court Decision and Conditions for Travel

The Delhi High Court has granted activist Natasha Narwal permission to travel to the United Kingdom for academic purposes. This decision was made on Friday, allowing her to attend an academic conference and present her research. Justice Amit Bansal instructed the trial court to release Narwal’s passport and indicated that any existing look-out circular against her would be suspended for the duration of her travel, which is scheduled from November 2 to December 1.

During the proceedings, Narwal, who is pursuing a PhD at a UK university, informed the court of her intention to participate in the conference. The court acknowledged the importance of her academic commitments and the necessity for her to present her research findings in the UK. In granting her permission, the court imposed certain conditions to ensure her return to India.

Among the conditions set by the court, Narwal and her brother are required to submit a written undertaking affirming that she will return to India and will not seek asylum in the UK. Additionally, she must provide personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each in relation to two ongoing cases linked to the riots.

Opposition from Delhi Police and Previous Court Rulings

The Delhi Police, represented by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, opposed Narwal’s request, voicing concerns that she may not return to India after her trip. The police highlighted the seriousness of the cases against her, which include allegations of involvement in a larger conspiracy related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The trial court had previously denied her request to travel on October 6, citing the ongoing legal proceedings as a significant factor.

In connection with the riots, Narwal has been named as an accused in three cases, including one filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The communal violence in northeast Delhi, which erupted on February 24, 2020, resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals and injuries to around 700 others. Narwal, along with others, has been accused of orchestrating the violence during a period when high-profile dignitaries, including then US President Donald Trump, were visiting the capital.

In June 2021, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Narwal and her associate Devangana Kalita in the UAPA case. The court had expressed concerns regarding the state’s approach to dissent, indicating that it could undermine democratic principles if left unchecked. This context adds a layer of complexity to the current decision, as it reflects ongoing tensions between state authority and individual rights.

Future Obligations and Travel Restrictions

As part of the court’s ruling, Narwal is required to surrender her passport within 48 hours of her return to India. Furthermore, she is prohibited from making any public statements regarding the merits of the cases pending against her while she is outside the country. These stipulations aim to balance her academic pursuits with the legal obligations stemming from her ongoing cases.

The court’s decision to allow Narwal to travel for a month underscores the importance of academic engagement while also addressing concerns related to her legal situation. The combination of safeguards, such as the written undertaking and personal bonds, reflects the court’s intent to ensure compliance with its directives while facilitating Narwal’s educational commitments.

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by activists in India, particularly those involved in high-profile cases related to civil unrest. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal freedoms and legal responsibilities in a complex socio-political landscape.

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