Tablighi Jamaat case: Court allows foreigners from five countries to walk free on fine

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed foreign nationals from five countries to walk free on payment of different fines after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi during the COVID-19 lockdown, a lawyer said.

However, three Sri Lankans as also other foreigners from Nigeria and Tanzania claimed trial before the court, said the lawyer.

Metropolitan Magistrate Dev Choudhary allowed foreigners from Djibouti, Mali, Kenya and 17 Sri Lankans to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 5,000 each said advocate Ashima Mandla, appearing for them.

Metropolitan Magistrate Akash allowed some Myanmar nationals to walk free on payment of a fine of 5,000 each, while others claimed trial before the court, said advocate Fahim Khan, representing them.

Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.