A Delhi court has convicted Congress leader Alka Lamba for assaulting and obstructing police personnel during a 2024 protest demanding implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The verdict was delivered by the Rouse Avenue Court, where Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar concluded that the prosecution had established both the intent and the act behind the offences beyond reasonable doubt. The court found Lamba guilty under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita relating to assault on a public servant, obstruction of official duty, violation of lawful orders and causing obstruction in a public way.
In its ruling, the court observed that witness testimonies, documentary material and other records collectively pointed toward Lamba’s involvement in the incident. The judge said the evidence on record left little room for doubt regarding her role in the protest-related confrontation.
Arguments on sentencing are scheduled to be heard on June 5.
The case stems from a demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on July 29, 2024, where protesters had gathered seeking immediate implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament. According to the prosecution, prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were already in force in the area, and authorities had denied permission for any march towards Parliament.
Police claimed that despite repeated warnings, protesters attempted to push past barricades while raising slogans calling for a “gherao” of Parliament. Investigators alleged that police personnel were shoved during the agitation and that demonstrators blocked a public road by staging a sit-in. An FIR was subsequently lodged at Parliament Street police station.
Lamba, who was identified by the prosecution as the principal speaker during the protest, had earlier been formally charged in December 2025. Her plea seeking discharge from the case was also rejected by the court.
Her defence argued that the gathering remained peaceful and was held in an area earmarked for public demonstrations. Counsel further contended that there were no independent eyewitnesses, no medical evidence showing injuries to police personnel, and no video footage directly depicting Lamba assaulting any officer.
