The Delhi High Court has permitted Delhi riots accused Natasha Narwal to travel to the United Kingdom for academic engagements, including meeting her PhD supervisors and attending an international conference in London. The court set aside a trial court order dated October 6 that had refused her permission.
Justice Amit Bansal passed the order on October 16, observing that charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) do not automatically prevent an accused person from travelling abroad.
“The fact that the petitioner has been charged of serious offences under the UAPA does not curtail her right to travel abroad in a blanket manner,” the High Court said.
Narwal has been allowed to travel on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, with her brother standing as surety. The court also directed her not to seek asylum in the UK or make comments on the cases pending against her.
PhD research and conference in London
Narwal is pursuing a PhD at the University of Warwick. She approached the High Court seeking permission to attend an international academic conference in London, where her research paper, *Gendered Carceral Labour as Social Reproduction*, has been accepted for presentation.
Her request also covered meetings with her doctoral supervisors and participation in academic activities at the university.
Opposing the plea, the State argued that she could take part in her academic engagements through video conferencing. It also expressed concern that her travel to the UK could create difficulties if she sought asylum there.
Court cites in-person academic requirements and trial delays
While considering the request, the High Court noted that Narwal had been pursuing her doctorate remotely since enrolling in October 2023. However, her supervisors had specifically invited her to attend in-person meetings, doctoral training and research activities.
The court also took into account that the trials were likely to take considerable time to conclude. It noted that there had been no allegation of Narwal violating any bail conditions since she was granted bail.
On these grounds, the High Court allowed her to travel, subject to the conditions imposed in its order.
Lawyers representing both sides
Advocates Adit S Pujari, Chaitanya Sundriyal, Manvender Singh Shekhawat and Harshvardhan Pushkin Sharma appeared for Narwal.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju and special public prosecutors Madhukar Pandey and Ayodhya Prasad represented the Delhi Police, along with advocates Dhruv Pande, Aarush Bhatia, Saravjeet Singh and Ishika Singla.