Delhi High Court Seeks Details of Attacks During 2020 Farmers' Protest

The Delhi High Court asked a farmers' body to submit details of attacks during the 2020 protest. The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee seeks a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Justice Anish Dayal is overseeing the case, with arguments set to continue on November 28.

The Delhi High Court has directed a farmers' body to provide detailed records of attacks on farmers during the 2020 protests. This request comes in response to the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's petition, which seeks the establishment of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate these alleged attacks.

The petitioner, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, argues for a court-monitored SIT to examine attacks that occurred during the 2020 agitation against new farming laws at Delhi's borders. Justice Anish Dayal, who is handling the 2021 petition, highlighted the need for comprehensive written submissions detailing evidence and incidents.

During a recent hearing, the Additional Standing Counsel noted that the Supreme Court's threshold for instituting an SIT is stringent. The petitioner’s advocate, Ajay Verma, requested more time to prepare his arguments. Justice Dayal granted this request and directed Verma to file concise written submissions, correlating incidents and evidence with court file page numbers.

Ajay Verma contended that while FIRs were lodged against several protestors, attacks on them by various miscreants were overlooked, despite repeated complaints. According to the petitioner committee, the State's stance is biased due to alleged involvement of police officials. The Delhi Police have already submitted a status report, and the bench has scheduled the next hearing for November 28.