Delhi Court Begins Hearing On Framing Charges In 2020 Riots Case

The Karkardooma Court started hearing the framing of charges against the accused in the Delhi riots case. The hearing began Thursday and will continue on September 6. Delhi Police informed the court that they have completed their investigations.

Judge Sameer Bajpai dismissed the applications of Athar Khan, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Meeran Haider, Natasha Narwal, and Devangana Kalita. These accused asked the police to confirm if the investigation was finished so that the debate on charges could begin. Police opposed this, stating there is no limit on filing supplementary charge sheets. They also accused the defense of delaying the process.

Supplementary Charge Sheets Allowed

The judge agreed with the police and cited Section 173(2) of the CrPC. This law allows the filing of supplementary charge sheets even after submitting the main one. The court clarified that these can only be filed if new evidence is discovered, not based on existing material. This provision allows investigations to continue and charges to adapt.

Accused List

The accused include Khalid Saifi, Faizan Khan, Ishrat Jahan, Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar, Salim Malik, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, Gulfisha Fatima, Salim Khan, Tasleem Ahmed, Umar Khalid, and Tahir Hussain. The court will resume hearings on the charges next.

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