All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora approached the Delhi High Court on October 19, 2026, challenging a police notice directing her to furnish a personal bond of ₹10,000 along with one surety to maintain peace during an inquiry following her participation in a protest in the national capital.
The notice was issued by a Special Executive Magistrate under Sections 126 and 130, read with Section 135(3), of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It directed Bora to appear before the magistrate and execute the bond after her detention during a flag march on October 16.
According to reports, the notice cited alleged sloganeering at Mandi House, participation in protests near Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders, and allegations that Bora had encouraged people to join a demonstration at Connaught Place.
BORA CHALLENGES POLICE NOTICE
In her petition, Bora argued that the notice was ambiguous, factually incorrect and violated her fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and personal liberty.
Her legal team contended that the notice did not provide sufficient material to establish a likelihood of breach of public peace. Bora also disputed the allegation that she had instigated people to participate in the demonstration at Connaught Place, maintaining that her call was for a peaceful gathering at Mandi House.
AISA alleged that the proceedings were an attempt to restrict peaceful protests and suppress dissent. These claims were made by the association and formed part of the challenge before the court.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROTEST
Bora was detained on October 16 while participating in a flag march in Delhi amid protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
She was released the following morning. The subsequent notice required her to furnish the bond to maintain peace during the inquiry. The police and the Centre disputed aspects of Bora’s account during the court proceedings, defending the preventive action taken against her.
DELHI HIGH COURT DISMISSES PLEA
In the latest development on October 23, 2026, the Delhi High Court dismissed Bora’s petition challenging the peace-bond notice. However, the court issued directions concerning the proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate, including that the material relied upon should be furnished to her.
The case has brought attention to the use of preventive legal provisions in connection with protests and the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. The allegations against Bora and the grounds cited in the notice must be distinguished from any final determination