A Delhi court has granted 30 days of interim bail to Sagar Sharma, one of the accused in the 2023 Parliament security breach case, on humanitarian grounds following the death of his father. The temporary relief allows him to perform the last rites and post-cremation rituals, with the court stressing that the order should not be interpreted as a reflection on the merits of the case.
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal of the Patiala House Courts after Sharma informed the court that his father died of cancer on July 14. He submitted that he was the only surviving male member of the family and needed to be present to carry out the customary religious ceremonies. The prosecution did not oppose the plea, following which the court allowed the request.
While granting interim bail, the court observed that the relief was being extended purely on compassionate grounds because of the family bereavement. It clarified that the order had no bearing on the ongoing trial or the allegations against the accused.
The court directed Sharma to furnish a personal bond and a surety bond of ₹50,000 each before his release. It also imposed several conditions to ensure that he complies with the law and does not interfere with the judicial process during the bail period.
Among the conditions, Sharma has been instructed to remain available for the investigation and trial whenever required. He must appear virtually before the trial court on scheduled hearing dates and report to the local police station three times every week. The court also directed him to surrender immediately after the 30-day bail period ends.
To ensure that the legal proceedings are not affected, the court prohibited Sharma from speaking to the media, participating in interviews or press conferences, or making any public statements about the Parliament security breach case. He has also been barred from posting any content related to the case on social media platforms during the interim bail period.
Additionally, the court instructed him not to contact prosecution witnesses, tamper with evidence or engage in any activity that could influence the ongoing trial. It warned that any violation of the bail conditions could result in the cancellation of the interim relief.
The Parliament security breach occurred on December 13, 2023, during the Winter Session of Parliament, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. According to investigators, Sagar Sharma and another accused, Manoranjan D, entered the Lok Sabha visitors’ gallery and jumped into the House chamber while proceedings were underway. They allegedly released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by Members of Parliament and security personnel.
Outside the Parliament complex, two other accused—Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde—were allegedly involved in releasing coloured smoke while raising slogans. The investigation later led to the arrest of Lalit Jha, who is alleged to be the key conspirator, and Mahesh Kumawat. All the accused are facing prosecution under various provisions, including charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The incident triggered widespread concern over security arrangements at Parliament and prompted a comprehensive review of security protocols. Authorities subsequently tightened visitor access, enhanced screening measures and introduced additional safeguards to prevent similar breaches in the future.
The criminal case continues before the Delhi court, with proceedings against all the accused still underway. The latest order offers Sharma temporary relief to fulfil his family responsibilities while ensuring that the judicial process remains unaffected. The court has made it clear that the interim bail is limited to 30 days, after which Sharma must surrender before the court and continue to face trial in accordance with the law.
