HC notice to govt over Delhi riots
The court will hear the matter on 27 MarchThe plea also sought a special investigation team for an impartial probe into the matter
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, the state government and Delhi Police on a plea seeking directions to preserve video footage of the riots that took place in the northeast part of the city in February. The court will hear the matter on 27 March.
The plea filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind seeks “preservation of video footage from 23 February to 1 March 2020 for the purpose of collecting evidence and not to remove the debris without collecting the evidence from the site of the incident".
The plea also sought the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT), headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or Delhi High Court to carry out an impartial probe into the matter.
“... direction to take criminal legal action and disciplinary action against the Delhi Police personnel, liable for deliberate inaction or actively participating in the riots and destruction of evidence and to cause an enquiry by a separate and especially empowered body to enquire into all aspects..." the plea read.
The petition seeks direction to the Delhi government to provide adequate compensation in accordance with the scheme commensurate with that given to the victims of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984.
The petition also sought a direction to the central government to add a new Section 153 C (prohibiting incitement to hatred) and Section 505A (causing fear, alarm or provocation of violence in certain cases) to the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as per the 267th Law Commission report of India on hate speech submitted to the Centre in 2017.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!