Delhi Riots Case: High Court Rejects Police Plea, Upholds Bail for Ishrat Jahan
Court cites lack of evidence of bail violation, calls decision a major relief for former Congress councillor
In a significant development in the 2020 Delhi riots case, the Delhi High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Delhi Police challenging the bail granted to former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan. The ruling is being seen as a major legal relief for her.
The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Naveen Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja. During the hearing, the court noted that more than four years have passed since a special court granted bail to Ishrat Jahan. It observed that there has been no evidence to suggest that she violated any of the bail conditions during this period.
The case is linked to the violent clashes that took place in northeast Delhi in February 2020 during protests related to the Citizenship Amendment Act. The unrest resulted in the deaths of 53 people and left hundreds injured, with a majority of the victims reported to be from the Muslim community.
Following the riots, several student leaders, activists, and political figures were arrested between January and September 2020. They were charged under multiple laws, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Delhi Police has consistently maintained that the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy aimed at defaming the central government. According to investigators, protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act were used as a cover to orchestrate unrest.
Ishrat Jahan was arrested in February 2020 and later granted bail in March 2022 by a special court. At the time, the court had noted that the chargesheet did not place her at the scene of the violence. It also stated that she was not part of any WhatsApp groups that were allegedly central to the conspiracy.
In its appeal before the High Court, the Delhi Police argued that the lower court had overlooked key evidence and statements. It claimed that the bail order ignored material indicating a larger conspiracy behind the riots, including alleged plans timed to coincide with the visit of then US President Donald Trump to India.
However, the High Court was not convinced by these arguments and refused to cancel the bail.
Separately, a trial court earlier this year framed charges against Ishrat Jahan, including attempt to murder and rioting. The trial in the case is currently ongoing.