A Delhi court has granted bail to two suspended Lucknow University law students arrested for allegedly disrupting proceedings inside the Supreme Court, observing that while their conduct was condemnable, continued pre-trial detention was unwarranted after completion of the investigation.
Judicial Magistrate Ravi of Patiala House Courts granted bail to Prabal Pratap Singh and Chander Bhan in connection with the July 10 incident. The court held that the allegations, if proved, affected the dignity of the Supreme Court but emphasised that “bail is the rule and jail the exception,” noting that the offences carry a maximum sentence of two years, the investigation is complete, and no further custodial interrogation is required.
The magistrate observed that litigants cannot justify abusive behaviour or disruption of court proceedings but noted that the Supreme Court itself had exercised institutional restraint by declining to initiate contempt proceedings against Prabal Pratap, who was appearing as a petitioner-in-person.
Both accused were granted bail on furnishing personal and surety bonds of Rs 25,000 each, subject to conditions including cooperation with the investigation and maintaining decorum in future court proceedings. The court clarified that its observations were limited to deciding the bail plea and would not affect the trial.
The FIR, registered at Tilak Marg Police Station, alleges that Prabal Pratap used abusive language, threw papers towards the Bench during a hearing before Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Justice Alok Aradhe, created disorder and assaulted security personnel when restrained. Chander Bhan was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Following the episode, Lucknow University indefinitely suspended both students, expelled them from the hostel and barred their entry to the campus pending disciplinary proceedings. The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Arguing Counsel Association also condemned the incident, while Chief Justice of India Surya Kant later urged restraint, saying the dignity of constitutional institutions must be protected collectively.
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