Archive · 21 Jul 2026
SC Stays Delhi HC Order on 2020 Riots Case
The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped a Delhi High Court order that allowed Devangana Kalita, who is accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, to look at some documents that the police are not using in the trial.
The police argued that she should not get these documents until the charges are officially decided.
Kalita's lawyers said she has the right to see these documents to prepare her defense.
The Supreme Court will hear more about this in two weeks.
The case involves several people accused of being part of a larger conspiracy during the riots, which happened in February 2020 and left many people dead and injured.
The Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order that allowed Devangana Kalita to inspect unrelied-upon documents in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
The Delhi Police argued that Kalita is not entitled to any document until charges are framed.
Kalita's lawyer referred to a Supreme Court judgment stating that the list of unrelied-upon documents must be furnished prior to framing of the charge.
The High Court had earlier allowed Kalita to inspect unrelied-upon documents, citing the right to a fair trial and transparency.
The matter will be heard again after two weeks.
- Who
- Devangana Kalita and other accused individuals, Delhi Police, Supreme Court, Delhi High Court
- What
- Supreme Court stays Delhi High Court order permitting Kalita to inspect unrelied-upon documents in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
- When
- July 20, 2024
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To ensure the trial process is not delayed and to address the Delhi Police's challenge to the High Court's order.
Delhi Police
Devangana Kalita's Defense
Right to Documents
Delhi Police
Kalita is not entitled to any document until charges are framed.
Devangana Kalita's Defense
Kalita has the right to inspect unrelied-upon documents prior to framing of the charge.
Purpose of Inspection
Delhi Police
There is no purpose in inspecting documents at this stage.
Devangana Kalita's Defense
Inspection of documents is necessary to ensure a fair trial and transparency.
- Date of Supreme Court Stay
- July 20, 2024
- High Court Order Date
- June 5, 2024
- Accused Individuals
- Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar, Tahir Hussain
- Act Involved
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
- Number of Deaths in Riots
- 53
- Number of Injured in Riots
- Over 700
- Next Hearing Date
- After two weeks from July 20, 2024
Sources
Delhi riots: SC stays HC order permitting Devangana Kalita to inspect unrelied-upon documents
Devangana Kalita sought access to evidence prosecution didn’t rely on. How Delhi Police fought plea in SC
Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case: Supreme Court Stays HC Order Allowing Inspection Of Unrelied Electronic Evidence
