The Delhi High Court has taken significant steps to monitor the progress of investigations into hate speeches allegedly made by politicians during the violent 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. During Tuesday's proceedings, the court formally requested the Delhi Police to provide detailed status reports on all First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against political figures.
Court Proceedings and Key Developments
A division bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain is overseeing multiple petitions that demand an independent investigation into hate speeches delivered by politicians and appropriate action against police personnel accused of dereliction of duty. The bench has scheduled the next hearing for November 21, 2025, marking another chapter in this long-pending legal battle.
The court proceedings revealed interesting dynamics between the judiciary and the petitioners. Justice Chaudhary made crucial observations during the hearing, stating "FIRs have already been registered. The police are already investigating. Nothing remains". This comment came in response to concerns raised by petitioners about the fairness of the police investigation.
Legal History and Supreme Court Directive
The legal journey of these cases traces back to December 2021 when the Supreme Court of India issued a significant directive. The apex court had asked the Delhi High Court to decide expeditiously on one of the petitions seeking registration of FIRs and proper investigation against politicians. The Supreme Court specifically recommended that the high court complete this process within three months, though the matter has continued beyond that timeframe.
The bench addressed procedural aspects during the hearing, with Justice Chaudhary emphasizing that "These are questions of fact. We cannot entertain questions of facts in writs... In the last six to seven years, despite there being an alternate remedy, you have not availed... The petitions are pending for so long without any reason."
Prominent Petitioners and Their Concerns
The petitions, originally filed in 2020, represent a diverse group of concerned citizens and organizations. Notable petitioners include:
- Former Rajya Sabha member and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat
- Socio-religious organization Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
- Lawyers' Voice, a registered society co-founded by current High Court judge Justice Ajay Digpaul
- Delhi resident Ajay Gautam
These petitions collectively seek accountability for the alleged hate speeches that many believe contributed to the escalation of violence during the Northeast Delhi riots. The legal process has drawn attention to the broader issue of political accountability and the implementation of laws against hate speech in India.
The court's insistence on obtaining current status reports from the Delhi Police indicates its commitment to ensuring that the investigations proceed without unnecessary delays. As the November 21 hearing approaches, all stakeholders await the police's response and the subsequent judicial direction in this politically sensitive case.
