Delhi HC Questions Police on Record Preservation In Devangana Kalita’s 2020 Riots Case Plea

The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Delhi Police in response to a plea filed by student activist and Delhi riots accused Devangana Kalita. She is seeking clarification on the Court's December 2024 order regarding the preservation of case records connected to the investigation by Jafrabad Police Station.

Kalita's plea comes amid allegations of tampering and antedating of witness statements recorded by the Delhi Police. She is also challenging a November 6, 2024, order by the Metropolitan Magistrate, which declined to examine her allegations. In her latest application, Kalita has asked the court to clarify whether its previous directive refers to preserving only the Jafrabad-related case diaries or the complete set of case records. She has further sought reconstruction of the records, if necessary.

During the hearing, Justice Ravindra Dudeja questioned the prosecution's reluctance to preserve the full record. Observing that there is already "prima facie antedating" visible in the documents, the court remarked, "Why do you have any objection? Show your fairness and say you'll preserve the entire records."

Advocate Adit Pujari, representing Kalita, emphasized that limiting preservation to only Jafrabad case files would defeat the purpose, as comprehensive documentation is necessary.

However, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Anuj Handa contended that he had not opposed the preservation of records but was advocating for preservation across all related cases. He also questioned the timing of Kalita's application, stating that she had remained silent for over a year and only raised the issue when the trial court was about to pass orders on merits.

The High Court has listed the matter for further consideration on July 7.
(Inputs from ANI)