Shiv Sena (UBT) defends youth activists over peace bonds

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has issued a defense of youth activists involved in a legal debate regarding the enforcement of peace bonds during anti-government demonstrations in New Delhi. In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, the group asserted that signing a peace bond does not constitute an apology, a surrender to state authorities, or an admission of guilt.

The controversy follows ‘Tiranga’ demonstrations held at venues such as Jantar Mantar. Following their arrests, youth leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurabh Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde signed peace undertakings to secure their release. Conversely, activist Neha Bora refused to sign and challenged the practice in court. The Delhi High Court subsequently ruled that authorities cannot demand a peace bond until an ongoing inquiry concludes and a full police report is submitted.

The editorial addressed criticism from former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju, who had praised Bora’s defiance while criticizing those who signed the undertakings. The party defended the activists by citing the Madhu Limaye Supreme Court precedent, arguing that peace bonds are strictly preventive measures rather than punitive actions.