Delay in Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case Trial Due to Judge Reshuffle

Trial Postponed Again in Delhi Riots Case

The trial concerning the broader conspiracy linked to the 2020 Delhi riots has faced another delay due to the recent transfer of 135 judges within the courts of the national capital, as reported by a news outlet.

Currently, the case is at the argument stage regarding the charges, with the trial anticipated to commence once these arguments are concluded.

Out of the 18 individuals charged, five have already presented their arguments, but they will need to do so again.

Additionally, the special public prosecutors representing the Delhi Police, who had also completed their arguments, will have to re-present their case.

This marks the second instance of postponement attributed to a routine judge transfer.

On Monday, Additional Sessions Judge Lalit Kumar, who took over the Karkardooma court on May 30, instructed the special public prosecutors and defense counsels to provide a schedule outlining how and when they will present their arguments, including the time required for each.

The next hearing is scheduled for Friday.

The previous arguments in this case began in September under the former judge, Sameer Bajpai.

The riots erupted in North East Delhi in February 2020, involving clashes between supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulting in 53 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The Delhi Police alleges that the violence was orchestrated as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at discrediting the Narendra Modi administration, allegedly planned by those who organized protests against the controversial citizenship law.

Eighteen individuals have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code, including activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Natasha Narwal, Meeran Haider, and former councillors Tahir Hussain and Ishrat Jahan, along with Shifa-Ur-Rehman.