Allahabad High Court Upholds FIRs in 2025 Bareilly Violence Case, Rejects Quashing Pleas
The Allahabad High Court, based in Prayagraj, has delivered a significant ruling by declining to quash a series of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in connection with the violent Bareilly incident that occurred in September 2025. This case involved a mob attacking police personnel with bricks, stones, and acid bottles while raising provocative slogans, leading to widespread unrest.
Court Vacates Interim Stay Order on Arrests
In addition to refusing the quashing of the FIRs, the high court has vacated an interim stay order dated November 24, 2025, which had previously halted the arrest of some accused individuals in this matter. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings, allowing law enforcement to proceed with arrests as investigations continue.
Division Bench Dismisses Petitions Filed by Accused
A division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Vinai Kumar Dwivedi dismissed a batch of writ petitions submitted by Ashu and others. In its judgment delivered on March 9, the bench observed, "In the totality of circumstances, we do not find this to be a fit case where we can quash the impugned FIR at the instance of any of the petitioners." The petitioners, who were named in the FIR, had sought its cancellation, arguing that since an FIR had already been lodged by a sub-inspector regarding the same incident, the subsequent FIR amounted to a "second FIR" and should be quashed. However, the court firmly rejected this contention.
Background of the Bareilly Violence Incident
According to prosecution details, the violence erupted after supporters of Maulana Taukir Raza raised provocative slogans and hurled petrol bombs and stones at police personnel. This occurred when permission for their protest was denied by authorities. The Bareilly administration had imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the BNSS due to the overlapping Navratri and Urs festivities, aiming to maintain public order.
Raza allegedly released a video challenging the government's restrictions and warning of "dire consequences" if the protest was blocked. When police intervened to enforce the orders, the violence rapidly escalated and spread across multiple areas, including Khalil Tiraha, Naumahalla Mosque, Kotwali, the SP City office, Novelty Chauraha, Azamnagar, and Shyamganj. This widespread disruption highlighted the severity of the mob's actions and the challenges faced by law enforcement in controlling the situation.
The court's decision underscores the importance of upholding legal procedures in cases of public violence and ensures that those involved face appropriate judicial scrutiny. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future, reinforcing the rule of law and accountability in such critical matters.
