Delhi Riots UAPA Case: Prosecution Begins Arguments on Charge as Investigation Concludes for All Accused

 

The Delhi riots of 2020 remain a focal point in India’s legal and political discourse. In a key development, arguments on charges have commenced in the larger conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), following the Delhi Police's announcement that the investigation is complete for all accused. 

The case, which revolves around the events of the 2020 riots, implicates several prominent activists and political figures, including Tahir Hussain, Umar Khalid, and Natasha Narwal. The case is being investigated under FIR 59 of 2020 by the Delhi Police's Special Cell, invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along with UAPA provisions. The accused have raised concerns over the pace and handling of the investigation, particularly the filing of supplementary chargesheets.

During the hearing, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Court stated that the prosecution can now proceed with its arguments on charge. This comes after applications were filed by four accused, including Athar Khan and Asif Iqbal Tanha, requesting the court to determine if the investigation was complete before advancing to the next stage.

While the Delhi Police opposed the applications, arguing there is no limit to filing supplementary chargesheets, the court clarified that these can only be filed based on new evidence. The police assured that sufficient material had been collected to commence the hearing on charges.

The ongoing legal battle also highlights the broader issue of the "two-finger test" applied to sexual assault survivors. The Supreme Court has consistently condemned the practice, with the state of Meghalaya recently issuing directives to ban the test.

As arguments on charges begin, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the interpretation of UAPA and how conspiracy is prosecuted in communal violence cases. The proceedings are being closely watched, as they involve questions of legal accountability and justice for the events that unfolded during the riots.