Plea For Law On Genocide: Delhi HC Directs Centre To Consider Petition As Representation [Read Order]

The Delhi High Court, on Monday, disposed of a Petition demanding a deterrent legislation for the offence of genocide, directing the Centre to consider the Petition as a representation.

The Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar noted that the Petitioner, one Manjit Singh Butalia, had approached the Court without making any representation to the Centre. The Petitioner had demanded a direction to the Centre to fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention and Treaty Laws, 1948 by enacting a law in this regard.

While directing that the Petition be treated as a representation, the Court further observed, "In any case, the writ would otherwise be not maintainable as this court does not have the power to issue directions to the respondent to effect any legislation."

Read the Order here