‘Can’t allow another 1984’
The Delhi High Court yesterday passed a series of orders with regards to the violence in Delhi's northeast district and said that "another 1984-like situation cannot be allowed to happen in this city under its watch".
"We have to be alert," said Justice S Muralidhar and ordered safe passage for collection of body of deceased, setting up of adequate number of helplines, shelter to people who have been displaced among other things.
"We propose to appoint amicus curie to coordinate between victims and agencies to ensure that prompt action is taken," the court added.
The high court was hearing a plea seeking FIRs against those who instigated violence in Delhi. The plea also sought an independent judicial inquiry into the violence in Maujpur, Jaffrabad and adjoining areas in Northeast Delhi.
The court observed that "it was time to provide Z-level security to citizens, as it was for everyone". The Bench also said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia should visit the affected areas "for confidence-building among people".
It further asked the highest functionaries in the state and central government to personally meet the victims and their families.
The court asked the Delhi Police to 'take a conscious decision with respect to the registration of FIRs' against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Kapil Mishra, and others, who made alleged hate speeches that may have incited violence in the national capital.
Clips of speeches made by Thakur, Verma and MLA Abhay Verma were also played in court. BJP leader Kapil Mishra carried out a rally in Jaffrabad area and gave a three-day ultimatum to the anti-CAA protesters in the area to clear. In a video of the speech he can be seen making incendiary comments even as a Delhi Police officer stands next to him.
However, no action has been taken against Mishra by the party.
On the plea of deployment of Army in the violence-affected areas, the court said: "We don't want to enter into the question of deployment of Army. We should focus on the issue of registration of FIR right now."
At least 23 people have died and over 250 have been injured in violent clashes that erupted between the supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Delhi's northeast region.
The petition was filed by Mander and activist Farah Naqvi and sought the setting up of a special investigation (SIT) team to inquire into the riots in Delhi and compensation for those killed and injured in the violence.
The high court has meanwhile, appointed advocate Zubeda Begum as amicus curiae to coordinate between victims and various agencies, news agency PTI reported.
Earlier, in an emergency midnight hearing, the high court had asked the police to ensure safe passage and emergency treatment for those injured in northeast Delhi violence since the last three days.
Comments