Delhi HC Directs Central Government To File Response On Toolkit Case Against Disha Ravi

The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered the Central Government to file a response on the current position and status of the investigation against climate activist Disha Ravi in connection with the “toolkit” case over 2021 farmers protests.

Accused Ravi was arrested by Delhi Police on the night of February 13, 2021 on suspicion of editing a Google document shared as a “toolkit” related to the ongoing farmers’ protests. On February 23, 2021, a Delhi Court granted her bail.

Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing Ravi’s petition seeking to prevent Delhi police from leaking any investigation material related to the case to the media. Justice Singh expressed her dissatisfaction with the Delhi Police counsel’s appearance in the case without proper instructions.

“This cannot continue in this manner. It is a serious matter, and you must arrive with instructions,” the Court made a remark.

The Court stated that the case will be heard on September 4 and ordered the Central Government to file a status report at least two weeks before the hearing.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing on behalf of accused Ravi, stated that in the current case, the Delhi Police collected Ravi’s personal information, which was then leaked to the media.

According to advocate Sibal, the media also reported on the questions that the Police allegedly asked Ravi and her responses to those questions. The Senior Advocate further added that the posts against Ravi are still available online and should be removed.

Disha claimed in her petition that she was viscerally attacked by Delhi Police and several media outlets based on leaked investigative material and prejudicial press briefings.

Such behaviour, it was claimed, violated her presumption of innocence and her right to a fair trial, affecting the administration of justice. The petition’s other parties included the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA), News 18, India Today, and Times Now.

Following a thorough hearing, the Court issued an interim order on February 19, 2021, directing news channel editors to exercise proper control while reporting so that the investigation into the farmers protests toolkit case is not hampered.

At the same time, accused Ravi was asked to make certain that no one connected to her embarrasses the Delhi Police during the course of the investigation.