‘As if Jama Masjid is in Pak’: Court slams Delhi Police
NEWDELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday came down heavily on the police for their failure to produce any evidence against Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, while also remarking that people were out on the streets because things which should have been discussed in Parliament have not been said.
Additional sessions judge Kamini Lau said the police were behaving as if Jama Masjid was Pakistan. “Even if it was Pakistan, you can go there and protest. Pakistan was a part of undivided India,” the judge said.
NEWDELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Delhi Police for failing to produce any evidence against Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, remarking that people were out on the streets as things which should have been said in Parliament have not been said.
Additional sessions judge Kamini Lau slammed the force, stating that the police department was “behaving as if Jama Masjid was Pakistan” and even if it was, one can protest there peacefully. Court’s remarks came while it was hearing Azad’s bail plea, who had been arrested on charges of “inciting the mob” during protests at the Jama Masjid area late December. Violence had happened on December 20 and Azad was arrested a day later.
“Inside Parliament, things which should have been said are not being said. That is why people are out on streets. We have full right to express our views but we cannot destroy our country,” the judge said.
The remarks came when the public prosecutor appearing for the police alleged Azad had incited violence through his social media posts. The prosecutor initially refused to share posts in question with Azad’s counsel, advocate Mahmood Pracha, .
However, this did not go well with the judge. “Where is the violence? What is wrong with any of these posts? Who says you cannot protest? Have you read the Constitution,” she said.
“You are behaving as if Jama Masjid is Pakistan. Even if it was Pakistan, you can go there and protest. Pakistan was a part of undivided India,” the judge said. She said none of the posts were unconstitutional, while asserting everyone has the right to protest.
The public prosecutor pointed out that protestors had not taken prior permission.Replying, the court said, “What permission? Supreme Court has said that repeated use of Sec 144 is an abuse.” She said she has seen many people protesting outside Parliament going on to become leaders and ministers.
Terming Azad as a “budding politician”, the court asked the cops to show it which law prohibits people from protesting at a religious place. “Show me under which law it is prohibited for someone to protest outside religious places,” the judge said.
The court asked the Delhi Police whether it has any evidence against Azad. “Do you think Delhi Police is so backward they don’t have any evidence. Even in small matters, they have recorded evidence; why not in this incident,” the judge said.
To this, the Delhi Police said they have drone footage purportedly showing Azad giving inflammatory speech, a claim which was denied Azad’s counsel.
The court further observed that Azad, having a law degree, can also protest inside the courts.
The matter will be now heard on Wednesday.