Full Breakdown
Delhi High Court Dismisses Petitions for Independent Probe into 2020 Northeast Delhi Riots and 2019 Jamia Violence
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 5, 2026, a division bench of Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain rejected petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team or other independent inquiries into the February 24, 2020 northeast Delhi riots and the December 2019 Jamia Millia Islamia clashes. The court held that the petitions “did not merit relief.” A detailed judgment is pending.
Background & Context
The northeast Delhi riots on February 24, 2020 left at least 53 dead and injured roughly 700. In December 2019, police entered the Jamia campus during anti-CAA protests, leading to allegations of excessive force and property damage. Petitioners argued both incidents required investigation outside the Delhi Police.
Key Figures & Groups
- Justices Vivek Chaudhary & Manoj Jain – High Court judges.
- Shaikh Mujtaba Farooq – AIMIM leader who sought FIRs against BJP leaders for alleged hate speeches.
- Brinda Karat – CPI(M) leader who petitioned for a probe into police inaction.
- Lawyers’ Voice – Society that filed petitions naming several political figures across parties.
- Ajay Gautam – Requested an NIA probe into protest funding.
- Nabila Hasan – Law student who complained to the NHRC over Jamia police actions.
Timeline
- December 2019 – Police confront anti-CAA protesters at Jamia.
- February 24, 2020 – Communal clash in northeast Delhi; 53 dead, ~700 injured.
- July 24, 2026 – High Court reserves verdict.
- October 5, 2026 – Court dismisses all petitions.
- October 19, 2023 – Supreme Court asked the High Court to hear the matter expeditiously.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 53 (northeast Delhi riots).
- Injuries: Approximately 700.
- Petitioners: Shaikh Mujtaba Farooq, Brinda Karat, Lawyers’ Voice, Ajay Gautam, Nabila Hasan.
Official Statements & Responses
The bench concluded that “for the reasons mentioned in the judgment, all the petitions are dismissed.” The Delhi Police said CCTV footage from Jamia had been collected and argued that an external probe would broaden proceedings.
Criticism & Opposition
Petitioners claimed existing investigations were compromised by police inaction, alleged hate speeches, and possible funding of the protests. They sought FIRs against various political leaders and called for a neutral investigative body.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No definitive findings on responsibility for the riots or the Jamia incident have been issued, as the detailed judgment is still awaited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For the reasons mentioned in the judgments, both the petitions (batch) are dismissed,” — the court
- “for the reasons mentioned in the judgment, all the petitions are dismissed” — Manoj Jain
What’s Next
The High Court will release a comprehensive judgment in due course, which may clarify the legal standing of the petitions. The Supreme Court’s earlier directive indicates continued judicial interest, though no further hearing dates have been announced.