Delhi High Court Closes Devangana Kalita's Plea Seeking Copies Of Video Footage In Riots Case

The Delhi High Court has disposed of the plea moved by Pinjra Tod activist, Devangana Kalita, seeking copies of the video footage pertaining to violence during an anti-CAA protest at Jafrabad on February 23 last year. She is a accused in the case.

Justice Subramonium Prasad however said that it will be open for the Magistrate to consider Kalita's application afresh in case she files the same.

The Court also observed that a reading of the Trial Court's order rejecting her application indicated that the same was passed because the investigation qua other accused persons in the matter was not completed.

"Now the investigation is complete. The stage of taking cognizance has reached. It would be open for the Magistrate to consider the application afresh if moved by the petitioner without getting prejudiced from observations in other paragraphs," Court added.

Devangana was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 23 last year in relation to the FIR registered over Jafrabad sit-in protest. After being granted bail in that case, she was re-arrested in another FIR registered by Crime Branch under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, in relation to alleged conspiracy behind Delhi riots.

She was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on a finding that the Delhi police had failed to produce any material to show that she instigated women of a particular community or gave hatred speech leading to violence.

Devangana had demanded copies of the video footage relating to violent incidents in Jafrabad.

Earlier, she had moved the Trial Court stating that even though a final report had been filed by the Delhi Police, she was not provided with the electronic material that formed part of such report.

Her request was however denied by the Court of a Metropolitan Magistrate, stating that the plea was 'premature' and the Court is yet to take cognizance of the final report.

Case Title: Devangana Kalita v. State of NCT of Delhi