TONK: In a major legal setback for former independent election candidate Naresh Meena, the Special Court for SC/ST cases in Tonk on Sunday cancelled his bail in the high-profile Samravata Slap Case and issued a non-bailable arrest warrant, clearing the way for police to take him into custody.
The court's decision comes nearly a year after the Rajasthan High Court granted Meena conditional bail in the politically sensitive case that has remained one of the state's most closely watched legal battles.
According to court proceedings, the prosecution argued that Meena violated the conditions attached to his bail after participating in protests following the fatal collapse of a government school building in Peepalodi. Police maintained that his arrest during the protest constituted a breach of the High Court's bail conditions and sought cancellation of the relief granted to him.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Special Court accepted the prosecution's plea, revoked Meena's bail and directed that an arrest warrant be issued. Police officials are now expected to execute the court's order.
Meena Calls Action Politically Motivated
Reacting to the ruling, Naresh Meena rejected the allegations and accused authorities of misrepresenting facts before the court. He said he had only visited the families of children who died in the school tragedy and questioned whether meeting grieving families could legally amount to a violation of bail conditions.
Calling the action contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, Meena alleged that political pressure had influenced the proceedings. He also accused the ruling BJP of targeting voices speaking for farmers, labourers and youth.
Case That Shook Rajasthan
The Samravata case dates back to 13 November 2024, when polling for the Deoli-Uniara Assembly by-election was underway. Meena allegedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Chaudhary at a polling station, triggering widespread tension across the region.
Violence erupted soon after as supporters allegedly attacked police personnel, pelted stones, torched vehicles and briefly freed Meena from police custody. A large police operation the following day led to his arrest, while dozens of people were booked in connection with the unrest.
The case quickly became a major political flashpoint, with debates over election conduct, law and order, and administrative authority dominating public discourse across Rajasthan.
What Happens Next?
With the cancellation of bail, police now have legal authority to arrest Meena unless he secures immediate relief from a higher court. Legal experts believe the matter could once again reach the Rajasthan High Court, where Meena may challenge the Special Court's order.
The latest development is expected to intensify political confrontation in the state, with opposition leaders likely to question the government's handling of the case while the administration maintains that the action is based solely on judicial proceedings.
