Delhi Riots 2020: Tahir Hussain’s Counsel Argues Against UAPA Charges
In a recent court session, the counsel for former MCD Councillor Tahir Hussain argued that the WhatsApp chats used by Delhi police in the Delhi Riots 2020 case were intended for peaceful protests, not violence. The counsel emphasized that unless there is evidence of armed rebellion, the Anti-Terror law UAPA should not be applied.
Advocates Rajiv Mohan, Tara Narula, and Rishabh Bhati stated that the chats only mentioned ‘chakka jaam’ and peaceful protests, with no indication of picking up weapons against the government. They questioned the police’s claim of a deep-rooted conspiracy and asked for clarification on the alleged offenses.
The protests were initially against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, and any individual acts of violence were addressed with FIRs and charge sheets. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, will continue hearing arguments on November 13. The case involves several accused, including Tahir Hussain, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi Riots 2020 -: The Delhi Riots 2020 were a series of violent incidents that took place in February 2020 in Delhi, India, involving clashes between different communities.
Tahir Hussain -: Tahir Hussain is a former Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Councillor who is accused of being involved in the Delhi Riots 2020.
Counsel -: Counsel refers to the lawyer or legal team representing someone in a court case. In this context, it is Tahir Hussain’s lawyer.
UAPA -: UAPA stands for Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a law in India aimed at preventing unlawful activities and terrorism.
WhatsApp chats -: WhatsApp chats are messages exchanged on the WhatsApp messaging app, which the police used as evidence in this case.
Chakka jaam -: Chakka jaam is a form of protest where people block roads to draw attention to their demands.
Judge Sameer Bajpai -: Judge Sameer Bajpai is the judge presiding over the court case related to the Delhi Riots 2020.
Umar Khalid -: Umar Khalid is another person accused in the Delhi Riots 2020 case, known for his activism and involvement in student politics.
