Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who was barred from entering Delhi for four weeks as part of his bail terms, will be allowed to return, a court said today, providing certain conditions were met. The Tis Hazari court, which last week had granted Chandrashekhar Azad bail, modified its order and said he could re-enter if a schedule of his movements was submitted, at least 24 hours prior, to senior police officers including DCP (Crime).
Chandrashekhar Azad was arrested December 21, a day after he led an anti-citizenship law protest at Delhi's iconic Jama Masjid, and charged with arson, rioting and inciting violence. He was given bail last week after the court said the Constitution guaranteed his right to protest peacefully and said there was no evidence to the contrary.
On Saturday the Bhim Army chief's lawyers asked the court to reconsider the terms of their client's bail, claiming the restrictions violated some fundamental rights, including the right to participate in elections.
The petition also said that since Chandrashekhar Azad was receiving medical treatment at Delhi's AIIMS, it would not be appropriate to seek permission to re-enter Delhi each time.
Earlier this month Chandrashekhar Azad received treatment at AIIMS for polycythaemia, a blood thickness disorder that "requires continuous check-up".
In its order the court agreed, recognising concerns over Chandrashekhar Azad's health and, calling elections the "biggest festival" of democracy, said it would allow him to participate.