DJB Vandalism Case: Delhi Court Disposes Application Of Raghav Chadha Seeking Monitoring Of Investigation

2020 Delhi Jal Board vandalism case

The Rouse Avenue Court has formally dismissed an application filed by AAP MP Raghav Chadha seeking judicial supervision of the investigation into the 2020 Delhi Jal Board vandalism case.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal noted that the Delhi Police had clarified no further inquiry was pending and that Mr. Chadha’s counsel no longer wished to pursue the request.

Clarification From Delhi Police

During the brief hearing, the prosecution informed the court that the police had completed all investigative steps and did not intend to reopen or extend the probe. Faced with this assurance, Mr. Chadha’s lawyer confirmed there was nothing further to press, leading Magistrate Dalal to dispose of the application.

Origins Of The Case

The original FIR was lodged by Raghav Chadha in September 2020 after vandalism broke out at a Delhi Jal Board office. The incident, which involved damage to public property during a protest, prompted an immediate police response and subsequent legal action.

Among those named in the chargesheet are BJP MP Yogender Chandolia and party leader Adesh Gupta, alongside several others. Since Mr. Chandolia is a sitting Member of Parliament, jurisdiction over his case has shifted to the Special MP/MLA Court, ensuring compliance with procedural safeguards for public representatives.

Advocate Prashant Manchanda appeared on behalf of the complainant, while the Delhi Police presented the prosecution’s position. With the case now at rest—absent any ongoing inquiry—Mr. Chadha’s team withdrew its plea for oversight.

Charges Framed

When the police filed their chargesheet, they invoked a range of offences, including:

Sections 147–149 of the IPC: Relating to rioting and unlawful assembly

Section 427 of the IPC: Punishing mischief causing damage to property

Section 188 of the IPC: Disobedience to public servants’ orders

Section 269 of the IPC: Negligent acts likely to spread infection (invoked under the Pandemic Act)

Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act

Looking Ahead

With the monitoring plea withdrawn and the Rouse Avenue Court’s order in place, the vandalism case will proceed in the Special MP/MLA Court at its own pace. Absent any fresh investigative developments, attention now shifts to the trial phase, where the accused will answer to the charges laid down by the police nearly five years ago.