Overview
The Special Cell has submitted a massive Supplementary chargesheet‑04 of 13,967 pages before the Patiala House Court. The document is filed under the UAPA and several sections of the IPC. The case stems from the security breach inside the Lok Sabha on 13 December 2023.
Key Developments
- Chargesheet filed on 21 May 2026 before Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansan.
- Accused Neelam Prajapati (alias Neelam Azad) and Mahesh Kumawat appeared on bail; Manoranjan D., Amol Dhanraj, Sagar Sharma and Lalit Jha were produced from judicial custody.
- Prosecution cited Sections 186, 353, 153, 452, 201, 34 and 120B of the IPC, and Sections 13, 16 and 18 of the UAPA.
- Defence counsel objected to the timing of the chargesheet, calling it a “gross abuse of process of law”.
- The court ordered a hard‑copy of the chargesheet to be supplied to the defence on the next hearing (scheduled 29 May 2026).
Important Facts
The breach involved four accused jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors’ gallery, releasing yellow smoke, and causing panic. Simultaneously, two others released coloured smoke outside the Parliament complex and shouted slogans. The police allege that Lalit Jha acted as the mastermind, fleeing with mobile phones of co‑accused to destroy evidence. The supplementary chargesheet adds allegations of obstructing public servants, provoking riots, destroying evidence and other terrorist‑related offences under the UAPA.
All accused were served copies of the chargesheet via pen‑drive, and the prosecution assured the court that a hard copy would be provided to the defence counsel. The matter is listed for document scrutiny on 29 May 2026 at 2 p.m.
Exam Relevance
This case illustrates the application of anti‑terror legislation (UAPA) and the procedural aspects of criminal law, such as filing of a supplementary chargesheet and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding due process. Aspirants should note the interplay between the IPC and special statutes, the importance of evidence preservation, and the constitutional balance between security and individual rights.
Way Forward
The court will examine the extensive document for legal sufficiency. If the defence’s objection is upheld, the prosecution may need to file a fresh charge sheet. The case also underscores the need for robust security protocols in parliamentary premises and the continuous monitoring of extremist networks by agencies like the Special Cell.