Today, On 13rd February, The Supreme Court denied bail to the accused in the 2020 Bengaluru riots case, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The court directed the Karnataka government to establish additional special UAPA courts to expedite trials and reduce judicial backlog. This move aims to ensure swift justice and address delays in handling cases related to public safety and national security.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court denied bail to several individuals accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to the 2020 Bengaluru riots, choosing not to interfere with the ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
However, the court noted an “inordinate delay” in the trial’s commencement due to a lack of special UAPA courts in Karnataka.
A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathana and S.C. Sharma directed the Karnataka government to establish more of these courts, stating,
“The Registrar General of the High Court of Karnataka, in consultation with the State government and after obtaining instructions from the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, shall set up special courts for UAPA cases registered either by the State Government or the NIA.”
The court ordered that this be completed within three months.
Approximately 150 accused, primarily members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), had approached the Supreme Court for bail. Their counsel argued that the trial has faced significant delays and is unlikely to commence soon, citing a backlog of NIA cases in Karnataka due to insufficient courts.
The court was informed that the central government’s Home Ministry had already urged the state government to establish additional special courts for UAPA cases.
Additionally, the Additional Solicitor General indicated that the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to set up more courts, but compliance had not yet occurred.
After considering these points, the Supreme Court directed the Karnataka government to collaborate with the State High Court to expedite the establishment of additional courts for UAPA cases. It also instructed both the accused and the NIA to cooperate in this matter.
The case is linked to various arrests made by the NIA following violent riots at the DJ Halli and KG Halli police stations in Bengaluru, which resulted in three fatalities and injuries to nearly 60 police officers. The NIA claims that those involved in the riots are affiliated with the SDPI and the Popular Front of India (PFI).
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