2020 Riots Case: Delhi HC Seeks Trial Court Records In Plea Against Bail Granted To Ishrat Jahan

2020 Riots Case

The Delhi High Court on Friday has sought the trial court records while hearing the Delhi Police’s plea challenging the bail granted to former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case.

Court Observation

A division bench comprising Justices Siddharth Mridul and Rajnish Bhatnagar issued the direction as it continued to hear the appeal against the trial court’s March 2022 order that granted bail to Jahan. The High Court has scheduled further proceedings for July 27, aligning with hearings in similar bail matters related to co-accused, including activist Umar Khalid.

Jahan, a lawyer by profession and former municipal councillor, was arrested in February 2020 under charges including those framed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), in relation to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the riots that left 53 people dead and hundreds injured.

Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act

The Delhi Police contends that the trial court erred in granting bail, asserting that Jahan played a significant role in the orchestration of the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. Police allege the protests were used as a cover for inciting communal violence.

Previously, the High Court had also dismissed Jahan’s plea against the extension of time for filing the chargesheet under UAPA, stating that the trial court’s decision to grant more time was legally valid.

Jahan has consistently denied the allegations, claiming her involvement in the protests was peaceful and within democratic rights.

The High Court’s decision to review the lower court’s records is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome of the bail appeal and may set a precedent for similar cases under the same FIR.