Delhi Riots: Instead Of Mocking Each Other in Court, Make Conscious Effort To Let Peace Prevail, CJI Bobde Says

After an intense exchange between Counsel appearing for Delhi Riot Victims, activist Harsh Mander & Delhi Police, the Supreme Court on Wednesday transferred the riots cases to Delhi High Court, and urged the HC to list the matter on March 6.

The top court also urged the Court to explore the possibility of "peaceful resolution" in the matter.

The bench comprising CJI SA Bobde, Surya Kant & BR Gavai while hearing petitions filed by riot victims & activist Harsh Mander which sought registration of FIR's against politicians for alleged hate speeches, observed,

"What purpose is this serving? You are just making fun of each other here. That is what courts are being used for?"

At the beginning of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta began reading out excerpts from a speech made by Mander during a protest meet against CAA wherein Mander was alleged to have said,

"we have no faith in Supreme Court but we will go there as we have no choice. But, ultimate justice will be done on the street"

Subsequently, Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, who was appearing for the Delhi Riots victims stated that speeches such as "Goli maaro …." were what had instigated the riots.

Following this, Mehta interjected and alleged that Gonsalves was in fact sponsoring the litigations filed by the victims.

"It is surprising that till last week, he was appearing for Mander, now he is appearing for the blast victims. After making such speeches, Mander knows he will get into trouble, that is why he has transferred the baton into the hands of victims" said Mehta

At this juncture, CJI SA Bobde stated that the victims were within their rights to approach the Supreme Court and that both sides must choose their words wisely.

Today, the CJI SA Bobde specifically stated that both sides should in fact make a conscious effort for peace to prevail in the city instead of making a mockery of each other in courts.

"Let peace prevail. Give me names of leaders who want peace. Let the leaders be responsible for peace" CJI told the Counsel.