Legal Proceedings Lag Behind After Delhi Riots: A Harrowing Five-Year Review

As the fifth anniversary of the 2020 Delhi riots passes, alarming trends in legal proceedings reveal that over 80% of cases have resulted in acquittals or discharges. The investigation into the violence, which left over 50 dead, faces severe criticism for police conduct, while many accused continue to await trials.

Five years after the tragic and deadly riots in Delhi, which left over 50 individuals, predominantly Muslims, dead, the trail of legal repercussions remains largely unresolved. An analysis by BBC Hindi indicates that a staggering 80% of the cases that reached a court decision have ended in either acquittals or discharges, raising significant concerns regarding the justice system's efficacy in addressing the violence that transpired in February 2020.

The riots erupted over a contested citizenship law and rapidly turned into a deadly clash between Hindu and Muslim communities, causing widespread destruction as mobs set homes and businesses ablaze. Following the unrest, the Delhi police registered 758 cases, arresting over 2,000 people—including activists and student leaders—some under stringent anti-terror laws that effectively deny bail.

A close examination of 126 cases decided by the Karkardooma court in Delhi revealed troubling patterns; the vast majority yielded no convictions—in one instance, just one murder-related conviction emerged from 62 cases, as identified by data obtained under India’s Right to Information law.

The court's detailed analysis criticized the police for procedural failures and lapses in their investigations. It noted instances where police statements lacked credibility, with some judges emphasizing that the police's handling of these cases could ultimately mar democracy's legacy. Allegations also surfaced about "predetermined charges" and instances where defendants were arrested without substantial evidence.

Moreover, testimonies from those accused cast further doubt on the integrity of the investigations. Take the case of Shadab Alam, who was arrested along with others while seeking shelter during the riots, and subsequently charged incorrectly. He endured 80 days in jail before the courts dismissed the case against him, indicating that the police might have fabricated evidence against him.

Compounded by incorrect claims made via video evidence, other citizens who've faced charges are also seeing their cases unravel. Sandip Bhati, initially accused of assault, was exonerated after it was revealed he had been misidentified by police based on manipulated footage.

As several individuals still languish in jail awaiting their turn for trial, including Gulfisha Fatima, a PhD student labeled a "conspirator," the calls for police accountability and a reassessment of the prosecution's strategies grow stronger. With a former Supreme Court judge advocating for enhanced introspection from prosecuting agencies, the quest for justice amid the backdrop of the Delhi riots remains overshadowed by a troubling legacy of systemic failures.