Delhi Riots : SC Agrees To Hear On Wednesday Plea For FIR Against Politicians For Hate Speech

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on Wednesday(March 4) a petition seeking registration of FIR against politiians who made hate speech inciting the riots which gripped North East Delhi last week.

This was after Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Delhi riot victims, mentioned the plea before the Chief Justice of India S A Bobde for urgent listing.

"What can be done immediately?", CJI asked when the mentioning was made.

"The height of pressure on us, you should know. We can't handle that", CJI continued, indicating helplessness.

But Colin Gonsalves persuaded by saying " Many things Your Lordship can't handle, but we will guide you".

CJI then said " Courts have never been able to prevent such things. We would wish peace, but there are certain limitations on our power".

"But we can prevent the deterioration of the situation", Colin replied.

After this, CJI agreed for listing on Wednesday.

On February 27,  Delhi High Court division bench comprising Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar had deferred the hearing of a similar petition filed by Harsh Mander until April 13, based on the submission of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the "situation was not conducive" for registration of FIR.

On the previous day, February 26, another division bench comprising Justices Dr S Muralidhar and Talwant Singh had directed the Delhi Police to take a "conscious decision" within a day on  registration of FIR in respect of inflammatory speeches allegedly made by politicians including but not limited to BJP leaders Anurag Thakur, Pravesh Verma, Kapil Mishra and Abhay Verma.

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Mander, had submitted that the violence had close nexus with the hate speeches targeting particular community.

Before passing the order, the bench led by Justice Muralidhar had played out the videos containing speeches of the said leaders in court for the viewing of police.

"Every day's delay in registering FIR is crucial. The more and more you delay, the more problems are getting created", Justice Muralidhar had emphasized the need for prompt action.

But next day, the other bench adjourned the matter till April 13.

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