Delhi Riots Larger Conspiracy Case Hearing To Start Afresh Following Judicial Reshuffle

A Delhi Court will hear afresh arguments on charge in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, following judicial transfers in the Delhi Higher Judiciary.

The prosecution had already completed its argument. Five accused persons had also completed their arguments on the point of charge.

While the FIR was registered in 2020 by Delhi Police's special cell, arguments on charge began only last year which were being heard extensively by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai.

However, an administrative order was recently published by the Delhi High Court notifying transfer of 135 judges, including judge Bajpai.

For context, the case was initially heard for years by Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat. However, he was later transferred and was replaced by ASJ Bajpai. Arguments on charge were heard only by the latter.

This new development means that the prosecution will again take the new judge, Additional Sessions Judge Lalit Kumar, through all the relevant documents, including Delhi Police's 17,000 pages chargesheet.

The matter was posted yesterday before the new judge who said that a considerable time has already lapsed and therefore, arguments on the point of charge has to be expedited.

The Court directed the prosecution and the counsel for the accused persons to furnish their schedule regarding the time frame and the manner in which they will address the arguments, including the hours to be taken by them.

“Ld. SPP and the counsels for the accused persons shall supply the schedule of arguments to each other,” the Court said.

The matter will now be heard on June 06 at 12 PM.

FIR 59 of 2020 was registered by Delhi Police's Special Cell under various offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The accused in the case are Tahir Hussain, Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, Isharat 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.

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