New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has revived long pending petitions seeking an independent and court monitored investigation into the 2020 North East Delhi riots and the violence at Jamia Millia Islamia during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The court has listed the batch of cases for further hearing on January 23.
A Division Bench noted that the matters were already part heard before another bench. The judges stressed the need for judicial continuity and directed that the petitions be placed before the same bench which heard them earlier. The cases will now come up before a Division Bench headed by Justice Vivek Chaudhary, subject to orders from the Chief Justice.
The petitions raise serious allegations of hate speeches by political leaders, police inaction, and use of excessive force. They seek accountability through a Special Investigation Team or an independent agency. The pleas relate to the 2020 riots in North East Delhi, where over 50 people lost their lives, and the police action during the Jamia campus violence in 2019.
One petition seeks registration of FIRs against several political leaders over alleged inflammatory speeches. Another plea demands action across party lines, naming leaders, activists, and public figures accused of contributing to a charged atmosphere. Separate petitions accuse police personnel and other state forces of misconduct during the violence.
Jamia students have also approached the court, alleging assault during the campus crackdown. Some petitioners have sought probes into funding and sponsorship of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
The Delhi Police has opposed transfer of investigations and maintained that evidence was preserved. The Supreme Court has earlier expressed concern over delays in hearing these matters and urged the High Court to act with urgency.
The outcome of the revived hearings holds importance for victims seeking justice and accountability.
