Pinnacle court directs Delhi cops to file 'better affidavit' regarding hate speech

22-04-2022

Delhi Police had told the highest court that no specific words against any community were uttered at an incident organised here by the Hindu Yuva Vahini' on December 19 last year

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its displeasure over a Delhi Police affidavit filed in reference to alleged hate speeches made during an occasion held here and directed it to file a "better affidavit".

Delhi Police had told the highest court that no specific words against any community were uttered at an occasion organised here by the Hindu Yuva Vahini' on December 19 last year.

A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Abhay S Oka gave period of time to the extra peace officer K M Natraj to hunt instructions and file a "better affidavit" by May 4.

"The affidavit has been filed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. We hope he has understood the nuances. Has he merely reproduced the inquiry report or applied mind. Is it your stand in addition or the reproduction of the inquiry report of the sub inspector level officer?" the bench asked.

"The ASG seeks time to induce instructions from authorities to file a far better affidavit... I prayed for 2 weeks. List this matter on May 9. Better affidavit be filed on or before May 4," it said.

The top court was hearing a petition filed by journalist Qurban Ali and former Patna court judge and senior advocate Anjana Prakash, who have also sought a direction for an "independent, credible and impartial investigation" by an SIT into incidents of hate speeches against the Muslim community.