In a significant legal development following the Supreme Court's recent interventions, another individual accused in the 2020 Delhi riots has approached the court seeking bail. The accused, identified as Malik, has filed a plea arguing for parity, citing the relief granted by the apex court to other defendants in connected cases.
Grounds for the Bail Application
The bail petition hinges on the principle of parity, a legal doctrine where courts often grant similar relief to co-accused in the same or similar circumstances. This move comes after the Supreme Court provided relief to other accused persons in the sprawling legal cases stemming from the communal violence that gripped the national capital in February 2020. Malik's legal team is expected to argue that his case is not materially different from those who have recently been granted bail by the higher judiciary.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The specific allegations against Malik are serious. He is accused of being involved in an incident of arson targeting a car showroom. This event is said to have occurred on February 24, 2020, in the Bhajanpura area of northeast Delhi. The 2020 riots, which erupted over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), resulted in widespread violence, loss of life, and significant property damage across several districts of Delhi.
Legal Context and Potential Implications
The filing of this bail plea underscores the ongoing and complex legal aftermath of the Delhi riots. Hundreds of cases are still winding their way through the judicial system. The Supreme Court's earlier orders in related matters have now set potential precedents that other accused individuals are seeking to leverage. The outcome of this plea could influence similar applications from other defendants awaiting trial.
Legal experts suggest that courts will examine the specific role attributed to Malik, the evidence presented against him, and how closely his situation mirrors that of the accused who previously received bail. The decision will be closely watched as it adds another chapter to the long-drawn legal process seeking closure for the tragic events of early 2020.
