Delhi Riots Case: High Court Rejects Pleas Seeking FIRs Against Politicians Over Hate Speech

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday delivered its verdict on 15 petitions in cases related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The court did not accept the demands of registering an FIR regarding the alleged inflammatory speeches of political leaders, getting the matter investigated by SIT and taking action against the police officers who were allegedly negligent in duty. These petitions were filed in the court in the year 2020 after the riots. 

Regarding which matter had the petitioners reached the court?

Apart from the 2020 Delhi riots, the issue of alleged police action and speeches of leaders during the protests against CAA and NRC was also raised in these petitions. Some petitioners had alleged that the role of leaders' speeches should be investigated. At the same time, in some petitions, questions were also raised on the alleged inaction of the police and the way of investigating the violence. 

Action was demanded against which leaders?

A petition demanded action against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Pravesh Verma for alleged hate speech. In other petitions, the demand for investigation of speeches of other political leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi was also raised. In the petitions, different leaders were named and different allegations were made against them. 

Why was the demand for SIT investigation raised?

The petitioners said that an independent investigation into the riots and the events preceding it was necessary. For this reason, the demand for a SIT or any independent investigation system separate from Delhi Police was placed before the court. Some petitions also sought investigation into the alleged role of police officers and delay in action. 

What happened in Delhi riots?

In February 2020, violence broke out in many areas of Northeast Delhi. 53 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the violence that took place between 23 and 25 February. A large number of properties were also damaged. After these incidents, many cases reached the courts regarding the reason for the violence, alleged conspiracy and the role of the police.

What changed after the court's decision?

Delhi High Court on Monday rejected this entire batch of petitions. Different issues related to riots, alleged hate speech, police action and SIT investigation were placed before the court. However, this decision does not mean that other criminal cases related to the 2020 riots are over. Those cases will continue under their own separate legal process. 

Has the case of hate speech reached the court before?

Legal action has already been demanded regarding the alleged speeches of BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Pravesh Verma. In 2020, the magistrate court had rejected the application in the case filed by Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Vrinda Karat. The Delhi High Court had upheld that decision in 2022. Information about the challenge related to this case being pending in the Supreme Court has also come to light.