The individuals were protesting outside the Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR against a police officer accused of molesting a woman journalist. This protest was in response to an earlier demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police had registered a case against the 17, alleging unlawful assembly, obstruction of a public area, and damage to public property. The court acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations, noting that assaulting police officers is a concern that cannot be permitted under the guise of peaceful protest.
However, the court also considered the age of the accused and the fact that they are not habitual offenders. While allegations against the accused are serious, with one police official reportedly sustaining injuries, the court noted that medico-legal cases for injuries sustained by some arrested individuals were not conducted immediately.
Specifically, the court ordered a report from the DCP New Delhi regarding allegations of custodial torture made by two protesters, Dharmender and Samarth. The court also directed that relevant CCTV footage from the Parliament Street police station be preserved. The judge cited the future careers of the accused as a factor justifying bail.