Delhi Court Hears Arguments on UAPA Charges in 2020 Riots Case
In New Delhi, a court is examining the charges against former MCD councillor Tahir Hussain and others in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The case is being heard at the Karkardooma court, where the focus is on whether the riots qualify as scheduled offences under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.
Arguments Presented
Advocate Rajiv Mohan, representing Tahir Hussain, argued that riots are not considered scheduled offences under the NIA Act. He explained that the use of firearms, as mentioned in Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), refers to lethal weapons like AK47s, not just any pistol or rifle.
He further contended that the prosecution must prove that the accused’s actions were against India’s sovereignty and intended to incite terror. Mohan stated that no such act was committed against India’s sovereignty in this case.
Legal Representation
Advocate Rajiv Mohan and Rishabh Bhati appeared for Tahir Hussain, while Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad represented the Delhi police. The court is set to continue hearing arguments on the charges.
Accused Individuals
Besides Tahir Hussain, the accused include Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, Safoora Zargar, Ishrat Jahan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Mohd. Saleem Khan, Salim Malik, Athar Khan, Gulfisha Fatima, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Meran Haider, and others. They face charges under the Indian Penal Code and UAPA.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi Court -: A Delhi Court is a place in India’s capital, New Delhi, where legal cases are heard and decided by judges.
UAPA -: UAPA stands for Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a law in India designed to prevent illegal activities that threaten the country’s unity and security.
2020 Riots -: The 2020 riots refer to violent clashes that happened in Delhi in February 2020, involving different communities and resulting in loss of lives and property.
Tahir Hussain -: Tahir Hussain is a former politician in India who is accused of being involved in the 2020 Delhi riots.
Advocate Rajiv Mohan -: Advocate Rajiv Mohan is a lawyer who is presenting arguments in the court regarding the charges against Tahir Hussain and others.
NIA Act -: The NIA Act refers to the National Investigation Agency Act, which allows a central agency in India to investigate and prosecute offenses affecting national security.
Indian Penal Code -: The Indian Penal Code is a set of laws in India that defines various crimes and their punishments.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means the authority of a country to govern itself without outside interference.
