Neha Bora challenges Rs 10,000 peace bond notice in Delhi High Court

All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora has challenged a notice issued by a Delhi Special Executive Magistrate directing her to furnish a personal peace bond of Rs 10,000, telling the Delhi High Court that she had no role in a protest call issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The notice was served on 18 October, two days after police detained Bora near Mandi House while she was marching towards restricted zones in central Delhi on 16 October. Law enforcement agencies had put prohibitory orders in place under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across key central areas to maintain public peace and prevent unauthorized gatherings.

What happened in court

Appearing for Bora before the Delhi High Court, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that his client was taken into custody within 15 minutes of reaching Mandi House on the evening of 16 October. He submitted that her presence at the site did not involve any breach of public tranquility or incitement to illegal acts.

Sankaranarayanan told the court that a social media post published prior to the gathering simply stated "see you today at 5 PM" and contained no call to commit offences or disrupt traffic. He added that statements made by Bora during previous public appearances had remained measured and focused on student demands.

Counsel further argued that while Jantar Mantar had historically served as a designated demonstration point, the notice issued by the magistrate cited repeated gatherings around de-notified areas and alleged attempts to move towards Connaught Place despite active restrictions.

Key details of the proceedings

Measures to uphold public order

Central Delhi authorities have routinely implemented restrictions under Section 163 BNSS around sensitive zones, including Connaught Place and surrounding intersections, to ensure traffic flow and civic stability. The Special Executive Magistrate's notice forms part of statutory procedures intended to prevent public nuisance and uphold law and order in high-security precincts.

The magistrate's order flagged that repeated unannounced gatherings risk disturbing public convenience and administrative functioning in the heart of the capital. The Delhi High Court continues to hear the petition regarding the notice's enforceability.