Neha Bora moves Delhi High Court against police peace bond notice

All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging a police notice that required her to execute a Rs 10,000 peace bond.

The notice was issued on 18 October by the Delhi Police’s New Delhi District under Sections 126 and 130, read with Section 135(3), of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Dated 17 October, the administrative order directed Bora to appear before the Special Executive Magistrate on 19 October at 2 p.m. to furnish a personal bond with one surety to ensure peace during an enquiry.

Bora’s legal team, led by advocates Abhik Chimni, Pranjal Abrol, and Moksha, moved the High Court seeking an immediate stay and cancellation of the notice. The petition argues that the magistrate's order is factually incorrect and ambiguous, claiming it infringes upon fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. Her lawyers planned to present their objections before the magistrate while notifying the tribunal of the High Court challenge.

The statutory notice followed preventive action taken by law enforcement authorities in central Delhi on 16 October to preserve order during scheduled political demonstrations. Security agencies implemented regulatory steps, including restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, to manage crowds and prevent disruption to traffic and public infrastructure. Bora was taken into preventive custody during the action and released on 17 October.

AISA claimed in a statement that the peace bond notice was aimed at stifling student demonstrations and alleged that police personnel monitored Bora following her release. The student organization has frequently questioned security arrangements and preventive measures instituted during recent protests targeting the Election Commission of India.

The High Court is set to consider the request for an urgent hearing on the petition.