High Court Demands Update on 2020 Delhi Riots Investigation

The Delhi High Court requested an update from police on the investigation of the 2020 Delhi riots. Multiple petitions, including calls for FIRs against political leaders for hate speeches, are pending. The court emphasized existing alternate remedies, urging action before the magistrate for fair investigation oversight.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday demanded the police provide an update on the status of the investigation into the 2020 Delhi riots.

A bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain, while hearing a series of petitions related to the February riots, noted that despite available alternatives, petitioners hadn't utilized them, and the cases have lingered for six years. The bench reiterated that FIRs are already filed, and the police are actively investigating the incidents. Petitions have sought FIRs against political figures for alleged incitement through hate speeches.

Counsel for one petitioner highlighted the deaths during the riots, but the bench countered that the matter should be brought before a magistrate for fact-finding. It stressed the high court cannot handle factual disputes in writ petitions. Petitioner Ajay Gautam demanded an NIA probe to unveil 'anti-national forces' behind CAA-related unrest. Other petitions request action against various political leaders. Police maintained steps taken were prompt and effective, asserting the violence was a premeditated effort to disrupt societal harmony. They reported 757 FIRs filed, with investigations ongoing in multiple cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)