Delhi Riots Conspiracy: Key Insights Ahead of the UAPA Case Hearing
The Delhi riots conspiracy case, which has garnered significant attention, is set to undergo day-to-day hearings under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Here’s a comprehensive overview of the case’s developments and what to expect:
Background: The Delhi Police’s chargesheet alleges a conspiracy to commit unlawful activities that fall under the UAPA’s provisions. The accused are believed to have conspired to
“cause disruption of such an extent and such a magnitude”
that it would result in
“disorderliness and disturbance of law and order”
on an “unprecedented” scale. The police further claim that protests were strategically held during former US President Donald Trump’s visit to India, aiming to cause international embarrassment to the Indian government.
Court Proceedings: The case is being heard by the court of Additional Sessions Judge Rawat, one of the four courts designated for the Delhi Riots cases. The courts have seen a series of bail requests, some granted and others denied. For instance, while Faizan Khan was granted bail by the Delhi High Court, Umar Khalid’s request for regular bail was denied. The court, in its decision, emphasized that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe the accusations against the accused were prima facie true, invoking Section 43D of the UAPA.
Charges Against the Accused: All 18 accused face charges under the UAPA, IPC, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. The charges encompass a wide range of offenses, from unlawful activities, terrorist acts, and conspiracy to commit terror under the UAPA, to criminal conspiracy, sedition, rioting, promoting enmity, and more under the IPC. They are also charged under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and the Arms Act for damage to property and using arms, respectively.
Legal Representation: The State is represented by Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad. The accused have a diverse team of advocates, including:
- Advocates Praavita Kashyap for Khalid Saifi
- Advocate Amjad Khan for Ishrat Jahan
- Advocate Chinmay Chatterjee for Meeran Haider
- Advocates Tara Narula and Shivangi Sharma for Tahir Hussain
- And several others representing the remaining accused.
Notably, Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal, CU Singh, and Trideep Pais are representing Umar Khalid before the Supreme Court.
As the day-to-day hearings commence, the case promises to be closely watched, given its implications and the broader context of the Delhi riots. The legal proceedings and outcomes will undoubtedly shape the discourse around the UAPA and its application in cases of civil unrest and conspiracy.
