New Delhi: A Delhi court will hear fresh arguments on charges in the northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case following transfer of judges. Additional sessions judge Lalit Kumar of Karkardooma court, in his June 2 order, stated that the counsel appearing for the accused and the prosecution must now furnish a time frame and the manner in which they would address arguments.The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for June 6.The special public prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution has already completed its arguments, and even five accused persons have completed their arguments on the point of charge. “This court considers it fit that a considerable time has already lapsed, and therefore, arguments on the point of charge have to be expedited. Since the court has been transferred, the prosecution and the accused persons and their counsels seek some time to consult with each other regarding the time frame to address the arguments,” the judge said.The FIR in the case was registered in 2020 by Delhi Police’s Special Cell. Arguments on charge began last year and were being heard by additional sessions judge Sameer Bajpai. However, an administrative order was published by Delhi High Court on May 30, notifying the transfer of 135 judges, including Bajpai. This new development means that the prosecution will again take Kumar through all the relevant documents, including the 17,000-page chargesheet. The arguments will be reheard by Kumar.The accused in the case are Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar, Natasha Narwal, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Tahir Hussain, Khalid Saifi, Isharat Jahan, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Shifa-Ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, Tasleem Ahmed, Saleem Malik, Mohd Saleem Khan, Athar Khan and Faizan Khan. Delhi Police has invoked stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against them. Most of the accused have been in jail for more than five years.
