New Delhi, February 26: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reprimanded Delhi Police for the clashes in Delhi and termed unfortunate the incidents of violence in the national capital but refused to entertain pleas on them.
A bench comprising Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said it would not expand the scope of petitions filed in connection with the protests at Shaheen Bagh by looking into the pleas on violence.
“These things would not have happened had police not allowed instigators to get away,” the bench said, while referring to the incidents of violence.
Police didn’t have to wait for orders if someone made inflammatory statements but act in accordance with law, the court said. Justice Joseph said there was lack of professionalism on part of the police.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the Delhi High Court had heard pleas connected with the violence. After this, the bench disposed the applications saying it is for the high court to take note of the matter.
The death toll in northeast Delhi communal violence rose to 20 on Wednesday from 13 the day earlier.
Mehta asked the bench not to make any adverse observations relating to the violence as it would demoralise the police force. He was told by the court not to misunderstand its views as the remarks were made keeping in mind long-term implications.
The bench said it had nothing against Delhi Police but the remarks were being made keeping in mind the larger perspective.
Justice Joseph also gave the example of police in the US and the UK saying the force had to act professionally as per law if something went wrong.
He added that the remarks were made not in adversarial context but to ensure that the law and order is maintained.
The bench posted the matter for hearing on March 23, saying there is need for magnanimity and for situation to cool down before the Shaheen Bagh issue is taken up. PTI
