North-east Delhi riots case: repeated judicial reshuffles delay trial
NEW DELHI
Five years after the north-east Delhi riots of 2020, which left 53 dead and over 700 injured, the trial in the 'larger conspiracy' case will begin afresh due to a recent judicial reshuffle in the Capital's lower courts.
On June 2, the case was listed for arguments on charges. The court was informed that the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) had completed his submissions, and five accused had also argued on the point of charge.
However, the matter will now restart under Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Lalit Kumar, following the transfer of ASJ Sameer Bajpai.The latest reshuffle, involving the transfer of 135 judges, marks another setback in one of Delhi's most high-profile trials.
'Since the court has been transferred, the prosecution and the accused persons and their counsels seek some time to consult with each other regarding the time frame to address the arguments,' said ASJ Kumar, while directing all parties to submittheir time estimates for arguments by June 6.
Originally filed by Delhi Police's Special Cell in 2020, the case invokes provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), among others. Key accused include Tahir Hussain, student activists Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, Ishrat Jahan, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Shifa-Ur-Rehman, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Shadab Ahmed, Tasleem Ahmed, Saleem Malik, Mohd. Saleem Khan, Athar Khan, Safoora Zargar, Sharjeel Imam, Faizan Khan, and Natasha Narwal, among others.
After months of delay in the probe, the chargesheetwas filed in June 2023, and arguments began in 2024 before Judge Bajpai. Prior to him, the case was heard for months by ASJ Amitabh Rawat, who was transferred last year.
With Judge Kumar now assigned to the case, both prosecution and defence teams are expected to resubmit their argument timelines and reconvene on June 6. The court is likely to push for a time-bound hearing to avoid delays.
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