Delhi’s Karkardooma Court has rescheduled the hearing on framing of charges in the larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. The matter will now be heard on July 2, 2025.
New Delhi: Delhi’s Karkardooma Court rescheduled the hearing on charges in the larger conspiracy case related to the Delhi riots for July 2.
The Delhi police indicated that their arguments would require five hours daily for at least five days to complete. This new hearing will take place after the transfer of the previous judge who was observing the case.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Lalit Kumar set the date for noon on July 2 after considering submissions from Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad and the defense counsel.
SPP Amit Prasad noted that he would need four to five hours each day for the next five days to present his arguments. The court agreed to start the proceedings after the summer break to ensure continuity, as prior listings had occurred before the vacation.
Additionally, Prasad mentioned that he would provide a convenient compilation to assist the court, which consists of 1,200 pages and will require significant time to manage.
The bail applications are scheduled for a hearing in the High Court on July 1. Advocate Adit S. Pujari, representing Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, highlighted a September 2024 order from the Delhi High Court stating that the trial court should hear the arguments, with no final orders to be issued until the petition is resolved.
Pujari also indicated that he would present his arguments last, as his two petitions remain pending in the High Court.
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Advocate Rajat Kumar, representing Abdul Khalid Saifi, noted a consensus that other counsel would begin their arguments after those of advocate Rajiv Mohan, who represents Tahir Hussain.
Kumar explained,
“On the last occasion, this way was opted as many legal points will be addressed, others will add to that only,”
The court, On June 2, instructed the counsel for both the Delhi police and the accused to create a timeline for their arguments to expedite the hearings in the North East Delhi riots conspiracy case.
This case involves 18 accused individuals, including Umar Khalid, Shakeel Imam, Tahir Hussain, Natasha Narwal, and Devangana Kalita, who are charged with conspiracy related to the 2020 riots.
Also Read: [Delhi Riot 2020] Delhi HC Denies Bail to Salim Malik
The court remarked,
“This court considers it fit that a considerable time has already elapsed and therefore, arguments on the point of charge have to be expedited.”
It further stated that due to the judge’s transfer, both the prosecution and defense counsels should take time to coordinate their schedules for the arguments. ASJ Lalit Kumar directed all Special Public Prosecutors and defense counsels to submit their timelines for presenting their arguments.
Previously, the case was handled by ASJ Amitabh Rawat from its inception until 2023, after which ASJ Bajpai took over.