Delhi Court Overturns Probe Order Against BJP Leader in 2020 Riots Case
A Sessions court in Delhi has delivered a significant verdict by setting aside a magistrate court's order that directed police to investigate BJP leader and Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra for his alleged involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.
Legal Battle Over Investigation
The ruling came from Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of Rouse Avenue Court, who was hearing a revision petition filed by Mishra challenging the earlier order. The magistrate court had previously directed further investigation into Mishra's role in the violent events that shook the capital.
On April 1, 2025, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia of the same court had ordered the additional investigation while considering an application submitted by complainant Mohammad Ilyas. The complainant had sought the registration of an FIR not only against Mishra but also against several other individuals including:
- The then Station House Officer of Dayalpur police station
- BJP leaders Mohan Singh Bisht
- Jagdish Pradhan
- Four other individuals
Key Arguments and Court Proceedings
The Delhi Police Special Cell, represented by Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad, presented crucial arguments before the court. They contended that the magistrate court lacked the proper jurisdiction to order such an investigation.
SPP Prasad informed the court that Mishra's alleged participation in the riots had already been thoroughly examined during previous investigations. The prosecution maintained that no evidence was discovered linking the BJP leader to orchestrating the violence that resulted in 53 fatalities and left more than 500 people injured.
The tragic events unfolded between February 24 and 26, 2020, in Northeast Delhi, marking one of the worst episodes of communal violence the capital had witnessed in recent years.
Complainant's Allegations and Immediate Legal Actions
Mohammad Ilyas, a resident of Yamuna Vihar, had made specific claims in his complaint. He alleged that he witnessed Kapil Mishra and others blocking a road in Northeast Delhi's Kardam puri area and destroying vendors' carts during the riots.
Ilyas further claimed that the then deputy commissioner of police for Northeast Delhi was present alongside Mishra with other police personnel, allegedly warning protestors to vacate the area or face consequences.
Following the magistrate court's April order, the Sessions court had promptly stayed the directions just one week later after Mishra approached the higher court seeking legal relief.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
This latest development represents a significant legal victory for Kapil Mishra, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the 2020 riots. The court's decision to set aside the investigation order brings temporary closure to this particular legal challenge, though the broader legal proceedings concerning the Delhi riots continue in various courts.
The ruling highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots cases, which have involved multiple accused individuals and numerous court proceedings over the past five years.
