New Delhi [India], November 21 : The Delhi police on Friday informed the Supreme Court that the trial of several accused persons, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, booked under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act (UAPA) in the 2020 Delhi riots case would likely be concluded within two years' time.
The Delhi police's clarification came while it continued its arguments opposing the bail pleas of Khalid, Imam and five others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, on Friday.
After hearing part submissions made by the Additional Solicitor General of India (ASG) SV Raju, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria posted the matter to be heard next on Monday, November 24, where it will continue hearing further arguments by the Delhi police.
Following the police's submissions, the Supreme Court will hear counter-arguments from senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appear for some of the accused.
During Friday's hearing, ASG Raju resumed his arguments from the previous day. He highlighted the sequence of charge sheets filed in the case.
ASG Raju stated that the initial chargesheet against the accused persons was filed on September 16, 2020, and a supplementary chargesheet was filed on November 22, 2020.
Further, the ASG submitted that as per Section 16(1)(a) of the UAPA, whoever commits a terrorist act is liable to be punished, and there is no bar which provides that the sentence of imprisonment in such cases cannot exceed five years. On the other hand, UAPA provides for a minimum sentence of five years that could be extended for life.
He added that in both the chargesheets filed in the case, cognisance had been taken by the trial court and that those orders have not been challenged, which reflects due application of judicial mind in the case.
ASG Raju further submitted that the alleged conspiracy extended beyond incitement, involving actions such as coordinated "chakka jams" intended to cause disruption and violence.
In such cases, the conspiracy itself constitutes an offence, the ASG added.
Further, the ASG presented video clips showing that the mob incited by the accused persons carefully covered the CCTV camera at designated public places a day before they had conspired to riot. Their intent to use violence while rioting is evident from the footage in the video clips, which shows certain persons, who were part of the mob, picking up wooden sticks (lathis) to charge and attack, the ASG submitted.
The Supreme Court will continue hearing the 2020 Delhi riots case on November 26, Friday.