#DelhiRiots2020: Court Orders FIR Against BJP Leader Kapil Mishra
Delhi Court Directs FIR Registration and Investigation Against Kapil Mishra in 2020 Riots Case
Delhi 01/04/2025: In a significant development, a Delhi court on Monday directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and further investigation against BJP leader and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra for his alleged involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots. The court also ordered an FIR against the then Station House Officer (SHO) of Dayalpur police station and five others in connection with the violence that shook the northeastern part of the national capital in February 2020.
The directive was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia of the Rouse Avenue Courts, who allowed an application filed by a complainant seeking legal action against the minister and other accused individuals. The judge, while allowing the plea, observed that a cognizable offence was found against Mishra concerning at least one of the incidents mentioned in the complaint.
Delhi Police’s Stand on the Matter
In its earlier submissions to the court, the Delhi Police contended that Kapil Mishra had no role in the riots and was being wrongly implicated. The police asserted that there was no substantial evidence linking the BJP leader to the communal clashes that erupted in February 2020. However, the court’s directive for an FIR suggests that there is sufficient ground for further investigation into his alleged involvement.
The 2020 Delhi Riots: A Brief Overview
The 2020 Delhi riots, which lasted from February 23 to February 29, were one of the worst instances of communal violence in the city in recent years. The clashes broke out between pro- and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters in northeast Delhi, leaving at least 53 people dead and over 200 injured. The violence led to widespread arson, looting, and destruction of property, with several homes, shops, and religious places being targeted.
Tensions had been brewing in the national capital for weeks due to protests against the CAA. The situation escalated on February 23 when Kapil Mishra made a controversial speech near Maujpur, warning anti-CAA protesters to clear the roads or face consequences. Shortly after his speech, violence erupted, leading to a series of retaliatory attacks from both communities. Several independent reports and testimonies have pointed towards Mishra’s speech as a key trigger for the riots.
Previous Communal Riots in Delhi
Delhi has witnessed multiple instances of communal violence over the years. Some of the most notable riots include:
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
One of the darkest chapters in Delhi’s history, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots erupted after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in mob violence, with allegations of political complicity in the massacre.
2006 Seelampur Riots
In 2006, communal tensions flared up in Seelampur, northeast Delhi, leading to violent clashes between two communities. The unrest was triggered by religious and political factors, resulting in multiple injuries and property damage.
2013 Trilokpuri Riots
The Trilokpuri riots in 2013 saw clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in East Delhi. Several homes were burned, and people were displaced as tensions ran high for several days before authorities managed to restore order.
What Lies Ahead?
With the court-mandated FIR, the Delhi Police is now legally bound to investigate Mishra’s role in the riots thoroughly. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in determining whether the BJP leader will face charges or if the case will be dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Meanwhile, victims of the 2020 riots continue to seek justice, with several cases still pending in various courts. The latest court order could bring renewed hope to those affected by the violence, reinforcing the importance of accountability and justice in a democratic society.
The legal proceedings in this case are expected to have far-reaching implications, not just for Kapil Mishra but also for the broader political landscape of Delhi. Whether this will lead to convictions or remain another politically charged investigation remains to be seen.
