Delhi Court Charges Inderpal Singh Gaba Under UAPA for London Protest
A special NIA court has charged Inderpal Singh Gaba under UAPA regarding the 2023 pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian High Commission in London.
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in New Delhi has formally charged Inderpal Singh Gaba under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with a violent pro-Khalistan protest held at the Indian High Commission in London in 2023.
While the court moved to charge Gaba under the stringent anti-terror law, it simultaneously discharged him regarding a separate charge related to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The Court's Decision
Special Judge Vikas Dhull delivered the order on October 8, noting a "strong suspicion" that the accused had participated in unlawful activities. Under Section 13 (1) of the UAPA, the court ruled that Gaba must face trial. However, the judge opted to discharge him from the specific offence under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
The legal battle is far from over. Following the ruling, Advocate Arun Khatri, representing Gaba, announced plans to challenge the decision in the High Court. Khatri questioned the jurisdiction and the NIA's collection of evidence, noting that the client is a foreign national and the incident occurred on foreign soil.
The 2023 London High Commission Incident
The charges stem from a chaotic scene on March 19, 2023, at the Indian High Commission in London. According to the NIA's allegations, a mob of approximately 50 to 60 agitators gathered in front of the building, brandishing yellow flags associated with Khalistani separatists.
The prosecution detailed a series of aggressive actions during the protest:
- Flag Desecration: Agitators allegedly attempted to pull down the Indian National Flag from its post. One individual was reportedly seen climbing the balcony to reach the flag.
- Replacement of the National Flag: It is alleged that once the rioters reached the balcony, they attempted to replace the Indian Tricolour with a yellow Khalistani flag.
- Assault on Officials: The NIA claims that rioters used metallic flagpoles to assault security officers, causing grievous injuries to personnel stationed at the High Commission.
- Property Damage: The mob reportedly used metallic rods to smash window panes, glass doors, and the main entrance gate of the diplomatic mission.
The NIA alleges that the crowd was actively instigating the violence, shouting slogans aimed at establishing a separate Khalistan, and attempting to intimidate the officials working within the High Commission.