‘Accused, Victims Haven’t Challenged Chargesheets But Outsiders Filing Petitions’: Delhi High Court On Pleas Seeking SIT Probe Into 2020 Riots
Delhi High Court observed that neither accused nor victims in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots cases have challenged the police chargesheets, yet outsiders are filing petitions for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. This remark came during a hearing on December 11, 2025, by Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain, addressing multiple pleas for SIT formation, inquiry commissions, compensation, and FIRs against police.
The bench questioned petitioners’ delay in approaching trial courts over five years and lack of evidence showing police bias. It noted a similar matter is pending in the Supreme Court, suggesting no need for parallel hearings. The case was listed for further arguments on December 15, 2025.
The 2020 riots erupted on February 24 amid Citizenship Amendment Act protests, resulting in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries in North-East Delhi. Petitions, including from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, demand independent probes into alleged police lapses and hate speeches. No direct challenges to investigations have come from involved parties.
