Delhi HC Seeks Police Response on Natasha Narwal’s UK Travel Plea
The Delhi High Court has sought a response from Delhi Police regarding Natasha Narwal's plea to travel to the UK for an academic conference.
The Delhi High Court has stepped into the legal battle surrounding Natasha Narwal, an accused in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, who is seeking permission to travel to the United Kingdom. On Monday, Justice Amit Bansal issued a notice to the Delhi Police, requesting their official response to her petition to attend an academic conference and conduct research abroad.
The Fight to Attend Academic Conference
Narwal is seeking judicial clearance to visit the UK from November 2 to December 1, 2026. Her primary objective is to participate in the 23rd Annual Historical Materialism Conference, hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. She is scheduled to present a research paper titled “Gendered Carceral Labour as Social Reproduction” between November 5 and November 8.
Beyond the conference, her petition includes a request to undertake academic research related to her engagement in the United Kingdom.
Trial Court’s Previous Refusal
The High Court's intervention comes after Narwal challenged a decision made by a trial court on October 6. That court had denied her request to travel, citing several heavy legal considerations:
- Nature of Charges: The court highlighted that the proceedings are being conducted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- Severity of Punishment: It noted that the offences under the UAPA carry extreme penalties, including life imprisonment and, in specific instances, the death penalty.
- Stage of Proceedings: The trial court observed that the case is currently at the stage of considering charges, making it an inappropriate time to permit travel.
While the trial court acknowledged that the mere existence of a criminal case does not automatically strip an accused person of their right to travel, it ruled that the gravity of the allegations and the current stage of the legal process were decisive factors in its refusal.
What Happens Next?
The Delhi High Court will now await the formal stance of the Delhi Police regarding the implications of her travel. The matter has been scheduled for a further hearing this coming Thursday, where the court will weigh the academic necessity of the trip against the legal complexities of the UAPA proceedings.