HC told to hear pleas filed by riot victims on March 6
In its disapproval of the long adjournment of cases relating to Delhi violence by Delhi High Court, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that such adjournments for “long period” is “not justified” as it directed the High Court to hear on Friday (March 6) petitions seeking registration of case against BJP leaders for making inflammatory speech leading to violence.
“We feel adjournment for such long period is not justified”, Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde heading a bench also comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Surya Kant said as court was told that in the matter relating to registration of cases against BJP leaders was adjourned till April 13, 2020.
Saying that they are not on the merit of the case, Bobde said, “the long adjournment is something that concerns us. We aren’t saying the HC doesn’t have any reason but the period for which the hearing has been adjourned may not be good. We propose HC should hear this on Friday.”
In other case relating to violence in Jamia Milia Islamia University, the court was informed that matter too was adjourned till April. Transferring the petition that was being heard by it on Wednesday to HC, CJI Bobde said that it would be heard along with other matter relating to the same subject.
The order said that the High Court would hear the matter as expeditiously as possible. “Friday we will require Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to take up these matters and deal with these as expeditiousely as possible,” ordered CJI Bobde.
In a poser from the CJI Bobde about the reasons for long adjournment, senior counsel Colin Gonsalves said, “To file reply” by the government to the petition by the violence victims. Gonsalves appeared for nine riot victims who have moved the SC.
The riot victims are seeking registration of cases against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Pravesh Verma and other leaders who they said were making inflammatory speeches since January this year.