The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police and other authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents in Uttam Nagar during Eid. The area has seen rising communal tension following the killing of a 26-year-old Hindu man on Holi.
Court Reviews Security Arrangements
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia reviewed the measures taken by the police. The Court noted that police deployment and precautionary arrangements have been put in place.
The Court said, “We direct the police and civil administration of the area to take all the required action permissible under law to ensure the situation does not take any ugly turn and an atmosphere is created conducive to peaceful and dignified observations of the festival of Eid which is likely to be tomorrow.”
Authorities were urged to ensure that no individual or group creates mischief or disturbances in the area. The Court will keep the matter pending till after Eid and has scheduled further consideration on April 6.
Background of the Case
The order came on a plea filed by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), which expressed concerns about threats to Muslims following the March 4 killing of 26-year-old Tarun Bhutolia.
The incident occurred during Holi celebrations when Bhutolia’s cousin accidentally splashed a passing woman. Her family reportedly attacked Bhutolia on his way home, resulting in his death. The case took a communal colour as the woman and her family are Muslim.
The APCR highlighted that multiple rallies and “akrosh sabhas” had been held in the aftermath, during which threats of violence were made targeting Muslims. One statement warned that on Eid, Holi would be celebrated as “khoon ki holi,” or Holi of blood.
Police Response and Court Oversight
Delhi Police assured the Court that extensive measures were in place to maintain peace, including round-the-clock deployment, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, peace meetings, and monitoring of social media.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya and Justice Karia said, “Eid is celebrated to rejoice. It is the duty of all concerned to ensure that on such a pious occasion, public life is not disrupted by any kind of untoward incident involving any sort of vandalism or hooliganism on part of any single individual or any section of the society.”
The Court reminded the government of its duty to ensure all citizens can observe their religious rights, stating, “It is needless to observe that it is the duty of the state, especially the police force to ensure that every single citizen in the society is able to observe his religious rights including celebrations of festivals.”
The bench also instructed that police maintain additional precautions if needed and strengthen deployment based on ground assessments.
Appeals for Additional Action
Senior Advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, representing the APCR, urged the Court to direct police to register FIRs against those calling for violence against Muslims and to ensure safe access to mosques during Eid.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma objected to turning the matter into publicity, stating, “Please, it cannot be a freeway for publicity.”
The Court recorded the police’s assurance that law and order would be maintained, stating that additional measures would be taken if required.
Standing counsel Sanjay Lao confirmed, “We have registered FIRs,” while ASG Sharma added, “After the gruesome incident of March 4, things have been handled with dexterity.”
