Neelam Azad, one of the six individuals arrested in connection with the security breach at the Indian Parliament, has approached the Delhi High Court, urging immediate release. Azad contests the legality of the remand order issued on December 21. In her plea, she asserts that she was denied the right to consult a legal representative of her choice during the remand proceedings. Notably, she claims that access to legal counsel was provided to her only 29 hours after her arrest.
Azad, a 37-year-old woman from Ghaso Khurd village, was reportedly detained in connection with the farmers' protests, along with wrestler Sakshi Malik's mother and farmer leader Sikkim Nain. She had been staying in Hisar for higher studies. Azad's arrest came to her family's knowledge through a call from her elder brother, who informed them about the incident while watching the news.
According to Azad's brother Ramniwas, she had been preparing for competitive examinations in Delhi after her Haryana Teachers Eligibility Test certificate had expired. She had previously gone to Hisar to prepare for the Haryana civil services examination. Despite her involvement in the protest at the Parliament, her visit to the village a few days prior did not include discussions about the ongoing demonstrations.
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Azad, hailing from the Kumhar community, had been unemployed for over six months before her arrest. Her family members, engaged in activities like confectionery and selling milk, expressed uncertainty about her motivations, speculating that she might have taken such actions to secure employment.
The Delhi High Court is expected to address Azad's plea, questioning the legality of her remand, in the coming legal proceedings.