AISA president Neha Bora refuses to sign peace bond, next hearing on October 29

All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora on Saturday refused to sign a peace bond, saying it would amount to surrendering the right to democratic dissent, a day after the Delhi High Court dismissed her plea challenging a police notice directing her to provide a personal bond of ₹10,000 with one surety.

The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court fixed October 29 as the next date of hearing in the case.

Ahead of her appearance before the SEM at 2 p.m., Bora said the use of peace bonds to prevent protests was an attempt to curb democratic dissent.

Issued on October 17 under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the notice required Bora to appear before the SEM on October 19 and show cause why the AISA president should not execute a personal bond of ₹10,000, with one surety, to maintain peace during the inquiry.

However, Bora then moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the notice. The court dismissed her plea on October 23.

“This fight against the misuse of peace bonds is part of our fight against the SIR and for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation,” the AISA leader said, referring to the ongoing agitation against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the demand for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.

“As we take this movement forward, it is important for it to sustain and fight so that peaceful demonstrations are not declared a breach of peace. The peace bond, as it has been executed and interpreted today, will not be signed by the AISA. It will not be signed by me,” Bora said.

AISA alleges threats outside police station

The AISA alleged that a group of over 50 people gathered outside the Mandir Marg police station, raising slogans against Ms. Bora and threatening violence as the student leader arrived for the hearing. According to the organisation, the group occupied the entrance, prompting the police to escort Bora inside under protection after about an hour.

In a video message, the AISA leader questioned the Delhi Police’s handling of the gathering.

“As I almost reached the Mandir Marg police station, I could see from 100 metres away a mob of over 50 people making threatening slogans. The police took no step to remove or disperse them. That is not called a breach of peace. But when people come on streets and raise slogans demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, then that is a breach of peace. Is that the peace we are supposed to keep?” Bora asked. 

“We will comply with all legal procedures wholeheartedly, but let this be clear that we are not going to sign any bond that violates our right to protest and demand accountability,” the student association said in a statement.

Bora was taken into preventive detention on October 16 while on the way to join the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march and was released on October 17.