Delhi High Court rejects pleas for independent probe into 2020 riots, 2019 Jamia violence

The Delhi High Court has rejected multiple petitions that sought an independent Special Investigation Team to investigate the 2020 northeast Delhi riots and the 2019 violence during Jamia Millia Islamia University protests. The bench disposed of the matters by addressing them in two distinct categories, with one focused on the communal violence in northeast Delhi and the other on the Jamia incidents.

The petitioners had argued that an impartial, independent probe was necessary to ensure a fair investigation into both incidents. They contended that the existing investigative mechanisms may not have adequately addressed concerns about the conduct of authorities during these events.

The court's decision comes as both incidents remain subjects of significant public and legal scrutiny. The 2020 northeast Delhi riots resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread property damage, while the 2019 Jamia protests saw clashes between students and police during demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

With the court's dismissal of these pleas, the investigations by existing agencies will continue. The ruling is likely to impact ongoing legal proceedings related to both incidents, as various cases connected to these events remain pending in courts across Delhi.

The High Court's decision reflects its view that the current investigative processes are adequate to handle the matters. However, civil society groups and affected communities had maintained that independent oversight was crucial to address allegations of misconduct during both incidents.