New Delhi, 20 February: The Patiala House Court of Delhi has reserved its verdict on the bail plea of โโarrested environmental activist Disha Ravi in โโthe case of spreading a toolkit on social media regarding the farmer protest. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana ordered the verdict to be pronounced on February 23.
Last February 19, the court sent Disha Ravi into judicial custody for three days. During the hearing, Delhi Police had said that Shantanu, who was co-accused in the case, has been summoned for questioning on February 22. Police said that Nikita and Shantanu are also accused in this case. Disha Ravi has to sit face to face with other co-accused.
On February 19, the Delhi High Court, while hearing Disha Ravi’s plea, directed the editors of the news channels to ensure editorial control so that no investigation was affected while giving information.
A bench of Justice Pratibha Singh had said that a balance must be struck between the right to privacy, integrity of the country, sovereignty and freedom of expression.
Patiala House Court sent Disha Ravi to police custody till February 19 last February 14. Disha Ravi was arrested from Bangalore by the Special Cell of Delhi Police. Delhi Police alleged that Disha Ravi shared a document related to the farmers’ movement, which was tweeted by international environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
This toolkit came into the limelight when it was shared by Greta Thanberg on her Twitter account supporting the farmer movement. Thereafter, the police registered an FIR on February 4.
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR in this case under sections 124A, 120A and 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for defamation, criminal conspiracy and promoting hatred.
