Dalit activist, Shiv Kumar granted bail by Sonipat Sessions Court

Dalit activist Shiv Kumar, who was arrested along with activist Nodeep Kaur amid protests against certain factory owners, has been granted bail by a Sonipat sessions court (Shiv Kumar v State of Haryana). .Kumar was arrested on charges under Sections 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149, (unlawful assembly) 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to public servant), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 384 (punishment for extortion), 379B (snatching with hurt, wrongful restraint or fear of hurt) and 307 (attempt to murder). .Bail was granted today by Judge YS Rathore in view of the bail already granted to co-accused Nodeep Kaur by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. .The Judge has ordered the release of Kumar on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with one surety of like amount. The Court has clarified that it has not commented on the merits of the matter..Meanwhile, a petition moved by Kumar's father alleging that Kumar was tortured while in police custody remains pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which was expected to take up the matter next on March 16. .On February 24, the High Court had adjourned the matter after opining that it wished to peruse all of Kumar's medical records to assess the allegations of custodial torture. .At the time the High Court had also taken on record the State's assurance that all medical facilities required by Kumar would be provided and that he would be shifted to Sector 55 Hospital if required. Appearing for Kumar, Senior Advocate RS Cheema had told the Court that medical reports showed that Kumar has been inhumanely tortured while in custody. .Nodeep Kaur was granted bail by the High Court on February 26. .Read the Order granting Shiv Kumar Bail: