Rajasthan HC grants interim relief to Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal in Kuchera FIR case
Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court has shielded Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal from arrest or coercive action in a 2024 election-rally FIR, while also observing that peaceful protest is a democratic right — a remark that could carry weight as the case progresses.
Key Takeaways
The Jodhpur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court granted interim protection to Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on 6 October 2026 , barring coercive action against him.
The FIR was registered on 4 May 2024 at Kuchera police station , arising from a political rally during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections .
The case involves IPC Sections 143, 147, 283, and 188 — relating to unlawful assembly, obstruction, and disobedience of official orders.
The court observed that peaceful protest is a democratic right and sought a reply from the Rajasthan government and police.
The next hearing is fixed after three weeks ; the order is interim and not a final verdict on the allegations.
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 while the matter remains pending. The order was passed on 6 October 2026 by a single-judge bench of Justice Farjand Ali, who was hearing a petition filed by Beniwal challenging the proceedings against him.
Background of the FIR
The case traces back to a political rally held in Kuchera during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. An FIR was registered on 4 May 2024 at Kuchera police station on the basis of a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Mukesh Kumar, alleging violation of prohibitory orders imposed by the administration at the time. The case was registered under Sections 143, 147, 283, and 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), covering charges including unlawful assembly, disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant, and obstruction or danger in a public way.
What the Court Observed
During the hearing, the Rajasthan High Court made a notable observation that peaceful protest is a part of democratic rights. The bench has sought a response from the Rajasthan government and police authorities on the matter, with the next hearing fixed after three weeks. The court's order is an interim relief and does not constitute a final ruling on the allegations.
Beniwal's Arguments
Lawyers representing Beniwal argued that the FIR arose from a political protest during the election period and that there were no allegations of violence or damage to public or private property. The counsel contended that the gathering was a legitimate political activity and sought protection from coercive action pending adjudication of the petition.
What Happens Next
The interim protection remains in force until the next date of hearing, scheduled roughly three weeks from the 6 October order. The Rajasthan government and police will be required to file their responses before the court reassembles to consider the matter further. The proceedings are still at a preliminary stage, and the allegations have yet to be adjudicated on merits.
Point of View
But they frequently target opposition figures, raising questions about selective enforcement. Beniwal's case adds to a pattern where sitting MPs challenge such cases in high courts and secure interim stays, effectively insulating themselves from arrest while proceedings drag on. The real test will come when the Rajasthan government files its counter — whether it can show material beyond a 'routine gathering breaching Section 144' will determine whether the FIR survives judicial scrutiny.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hanuman Beniwal Rajasthan High Court case about?
The case concerns an FIR registered against Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal at Kuchera police station on 4 May 2024, alleging violation of prohibitory orders during a political rally held ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Beniwal petitioned the Rajasthan High Court challenging the proceedings, and the Jodhpur Bench has granted him interim relief, directing that no coercive action be taken against him.
Under which IPC sections was the Kuchera FIR registered?
The FIR was registered under Sections 143, 147, 283, and 188 of the Indian Penal Code, covering allegations of unlawful assembly, rioting, obstruction or danger in a public way, and disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant.
What did the Rajasthan High Court observe about the case?
The Jodhpur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, presided over by Justice Farjand Ali, observed that peaceful protest is a part of democratic rights. The court has sought responses from the Rajasthan government and police authorities, with the next hearing scheduled after three weeks.
Is the interim relief a final verdict for Hanuman Beniwal?
No. The order is an interim relief, not a final decision on the allegations. The court has only directed that no coercive action be taken against Beniwal while the petition is pending, and the matter will be heard again after the government and police file their responses.
Who filed the original complaint against Hanuman Beniwal?
The FIR at Kuchera police station was registered on 4 May 2024 on the basis of a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Mukesh Kumar, alleging that Beniwal's rally violated prohibitory orders in force in Nagaur district during the 2024 Lok Sabha election period.
