Why not move SC for SIT probe into Delhi riots: HC to petitioners

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked petitioners, including CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat, why they had for not approached the Supreme Court for FIRs against certain politicians for alleged hate speeches and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the 2020 Delhi communal riots.

“As of date, we are asking, would it not be advisable that you people also go to the Supreme Court and make your submissions there. Because you all are seeking the same relief on the basis of the same material. Why should there be two hearings in the same matter,” the court said.

Communal clashes broke out in parts of north-east Delhi in February 2020, leaving at least 53 people dead and around 700 injured.

During the hearing, prosecutor Rajat Nair, representing the Delhi police, submitted that Ms. Karat’s petition seeking similar reliefs had earlier been rejected by a Magistrate and later by a single-judge Bench of the High Court.

Mr. Nair said the single-judge Bench order had been challenged before the Supreme Court, where the matter has been pending.

The High Court will hear the matter next on December 11. Several related pleas are also pending before it.