Rajasthan HC Grants Interim Relief to Hanuman Beniwal in Nagaur FIR Case

The Jodhpur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has granted interim protection to Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal in connection with an FIR registered at Kuchera police station in Nagaur district, directing that no coercive action be taken against him in the case.

The order was passed by a single-judge Bench of Justice Farjand Ali while hearing a petition filed by Beniwal challenging the proceedings arising from the FIR.

During the hearing, the High Court observed that peaceful protest is part of democratic rights. It sought responses from the Rajasthan government and police authorities and fixed the matter for further hearing after three weeks.

The case relates to a political rally held in Kuchera during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The FIR, registered on May 4, 2024, was based on a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Mukesh Kumar and invoked Sections 143, 147, 283 and 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The provisions relate to allegations including unlawful assembly, obstruction or danger in a public way and disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant.

During the hearing, Beniwal’s counsel argued that the case arose from a political protest and that there were no allegations of violence or damage to public or private property. The lawyers submitted that the gathering was part of political activity during the election period and sought protection from coercive action.

After considering the submissions, the court granted Beniwal interim protection and directed the state government and police to file their responses.

The court’s observation on peaceful protest came in the context of Beniwal’s challenge to the proceedings. The matter remains pending, and the interim order does not amount to a final adjudication of the allegations in the FIR.