The Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra government to execute its instructions issued in connection with the 1992-93 Mumbai riots case. A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) and the Secretary of the State Home Department to review the recommendations of the Justice BN Srikrishna Commission and submit a comprehensive compliance report.
![[1992-93 Mumbai Riots Case] SC Issued Directive To the Maharashtra Gov. to Implement its Direction](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-57-1.png?resize=400%2C150&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: Today (6th May): The Supreme Court issued a directive to the Maharashtra Government to implement the recommendations made in the 1992–93 Mumbai riots case. These recommendations include the disposal of pending cases, compensation for the families of missing victims, and the implementation of police reforms.
READ ALSO: Delhi Court Denies Bail to Tasleem Ahmed in 2020 Riots Conspiracy Case
A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) and the Secretary of the State Home Department to review the recommendations of the Justice BN Srikrishna Commission and submit a comprehensive compliance report.
“The top court mandated the immediate establishment of a Special Cell by the State Government to locate and assist in the apprehension of absconding or missing accused individuals in these cases, facilitating the progression of trials,” stated the court.
Additionally, it directed the State Government to furnish details of the sole pending riot-related criminal case before the Sessions Court in Mumbai to the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court, ensuring its prompt resolution.
“The State Government is obligated to promptly execute all recommendations regarding police force reforms issued by the Commission, as endorsed in the 2022 judgment,” emphasized the court.
The Supreme Court bench, acknowledging that the state of Maharashtra currently has 2.30 lakh police personnel, has emphasized the need for adequate housing facilities for them. As part of its directions, the Court has called upon the State Government to construct suitable dwelling units for police personnel to meet this obligation.
READ ALSO: [Delhi Riot 2020] Delhi HC Denies Bail to Salim Malik
In 1993, the Maharashtra Government established a commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, chaired by Justice Srikrishna of the Bombay High Court, to investigate the circumstances, events, and immediate causes of the Mumbai riots that occurred after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on December 6, 1992.
The Supreme Court bench, noting that the recommendations of the Srikrishna Commission were accepted by the State Government in 2022, has issued several directions in its judgment. The State Government is required to provide details of 97 cases that are presently dormant to the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court within one month. The High Court, on the administrative side, will then communicate with the relevant courts where these cases are pending, urging them to take the necessary steps to trace the accused.
“The judgment stipulated the formation of a committee chaired by the member secretary of MSLSA (Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority) to oversee the enforcement of the directives outlined in this ruling,” as stated by the court.
Furthermore, the state Government must promptly establish a special cell to locate absconding or missing accused individuals in these cases and provide assistance to the concerned courts to ensure the progress of the trials against them. The top court has also instructed the state government to submit details of the only pending riot-related criminal case before the Sessions Court in Mumbai to the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court. This will enable the court to expedite its disposal.
The Court has also called for the submission of a report containing details of 168 people reported missing during the 1992–93 communal riots in Mumbai. It has been noted that compensation has been paid to the legal heirs of the deceased and the families of 60 missing individuals based on a March 2020 affidavit filed by the principal secretary of the state’s home department.
READ ALSO: Delhi Court Criticizes Delhi Police for Incorrectly Grouping Riot Complaints
To ensure the effective implementation of its directions, the Supreme Court has established a committee headed by the member secretary of the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA). This committee will monitor the progress made in implementing the Court’s directives.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
