Delhi Police pressed for evidence against ‘United Against Hate’ founder Khalid Saifi during a bail hearing related to his alleged involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots.
The Delhi High Court, Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain have asked the Delhi Police to provide evidence backing their claims against Khalid Saifi, the founder of ‘United Against Hate.‘ This request comes in relation to Saifi’s alleged involvement in the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The court’s directive surfaced during a hearing on Saifi’s plea for bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The judges are emphasizing the need for concrete proof to establish Saifi’s role in the supposed conspiracy behind the riots.
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The court’s demand for concrete evidence underscores a critical juncture in the legal proceedings, emphasizing the necessity for the prosecution to establish a compelling case against Saifi to justify the denial of bail.
“Point out the case the clinching material against him. What is his role? What is his conduct? In what manner he conspired, how was he part of the conspiracy…court is not sitting for a story,”
The bench critically remarked, signaling a rigorous scrutiny of the allegations against Saifi. This statement highlights the court’s insistence on a detailed and evidence-backed narrative that clearly delineates Saifi’s purported role in the conspiracy.
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The court’s inquiry into the matter was pointed and critical, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of Saifi’s involvement.
“Point out the case — the clinching material against him. What is his role? What is his conduct? In what manner did he conspire? How was he part of the conspiracy?”
the Bench questioned.
The judges further remarked, “The court is not sitting for a story,” underlining their expectation for substantial and relevant evidence rather than narrative conjecture. This statement was made as the court scheduled the next hearing for February 12, indicating the seriousness with which it is treating the allegations and the defense’s counter-arguments.
In February 2020, really bad things happened in north-east Delhi – 53 people died, and more than 700 got hurt during riots. Now, the court is checking if there’s a bigger plan behind all that chaos. They’re pointing fingers at Khalid Saifi and some other students and important folks, saying they might have played a part in causing all this trouble. These guys are facing serious charges under laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and different rules in India. The court is trying to figure out if they’re really responsible for what went down back then.
Special public prosecutor Amit Prasad presented the prosecution’s stance, alleging that prior to the outbreak of communal violence, a group, including Saifi, engaged in plotting disruptive activities such as “chakka jams”(A protest where people block a road or create a traffic jam) to incite violence. Prasad pointed to exchanged messages in specific WhatsApp groups and highlighted provocative speeches by co-accused Sharjeel Imam as part of the evidence against Saifi.
Rebecca John, the senior advocate representing Khalid Saifi, argued for his innocence, pointing out that there is no clear case against him. She highlighted that three other individuals facing more severe charges have already been granted bail by the High Court. John underscored the fact that Saifi has been in custody for four years without specific charges being framed in the trial court. Additionally, she emphasized his role in running a protest site in Khajuri Khas, arguing against the allegations of his involvement in any conspiracy.
The court’s interaction with the prosecution’s claims, especially regarding an “inflammatory” speech by Saifi, showcased a critical stance. Upon review, the bench questioned the harm such conduct posed to the “sovereignty and integrity of the country,” suggesting skepticism towards the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.
The Delhi High Court is waiting for more evidence from the Delhi Police in the case against Khalid Saifi. This case is significant in understanding the legal aspects of the 2020 Delhi riots and its broader impact on freedom of expression and assembly in India.
