Chandra Shekhar Azad's bail conditions relaxed, allowed to enter Delhi before election

Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday modified its bail conditions for Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, allowing him to visit the national capital after informing the local police. 

Azad was granted bail last week but was not allowed to Delhi for next four weeks and was asked mark his presence with Saharanpur Police in Uttar Pradesh every Saturday during the period. 

He had again moved the court to seek a modification of the bail conditions. 

In new order on Tuesday, judge Kamini Lau said instead of marking attendance every Saturday, Azad will mark it whenever in Saharanpur and if in Delhi on Saturday he will mark to DCP Crime.

If not in either place, he'll telephonically inform of whereabouts to DCP Crime, the court said. 

While the last week's order barred him from taking party in election-related activity in Delhi, the court has now modified its order to allow him to visit the national capital for medical or any election purpose.

"In a democracy when election is the biggest celebration, which should have maximum participation, it is fair that he should be allowed to participate," the judge said in the order.

When he comes to Delhi, he will reside at the address provided by his counsel, the court order said.

The judge also asked that Azad should give his schedule in advance to DCP Crime and concerned DCP.

"Whenever he comes to Delhi, he will give a schedule of when he is coming, where he will go. The concerned DCP is to be given a daily schedule," the Bhim Army chief has been ordered. 

Judge Lau recorded that there is no material to suggest he indulged in anything that is against law and order public order or national security.

On a side note, judge Lau said the preamble must be read every day as Azad had done from Jama Masjid when he was arrested and the day after he was released from jail last week. 

"We decided that on Constitution day. We must keep the preamble in our heart," she said. 

Azad was arrested in December last year after a protest at Jama Masjid. The protest had turned violent later that day with protesters setting on fire a vehicle outside the police station. 

He was released on Thursday last week after bail was granted by the Tis Hazari Court.