Police claim a plan to falsely implicate the Delhi minister and oppose the registration of an FIR against him
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A court here has temporarily halted further investigation into Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra’s alleged role in the 2020 North-East riots until April 21, granting him interim relief. The stay came on Wednesday after Mishra challenged a magistrate’s order directing an FIR against him and others, including BJP leaders, over suspicions of inciting violence.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court stayed the magistrate’s April 1 directive, which had called for an FIR against Mishra, former BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht, ex-BJP legislator Jagdish Pradhan, and others. The court also issued a notice to Mohammad Ilyas, the petitioner who had sought action against Mishra, seeking his response by April 21.
The 2020 riots, triggered by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), left 53 dead, most of them Muslims, and over 700 injured. Five years later, Ilyas, a resident of Yamuna Vihar, petitioned the court, alleging Mishra and others played a “provocative role” in the violence. The magistrate had agreed, ordering Delhi Police to register an FIR.
However, Delhi Police opposed the move, telling the court, “A plan is being hatched to falsely implicate Kapil Mishra.” They argued Mishra’s role had already been probed and cited alleged pre-planned protests by activist groups.
Mishra’s legal team welcomed the stay, calling the magistrate’s order “politically motivated.” The BJP leader has consistently denied involvement, claiming he only “appealed for peace” during the unrest.
The case will next be heard on April 21, when Ilyas must submit his response. Legal experts say the stay indicates the higher court’s scrutiny of the magistrate’s decision. “This isn’t a clean chit but a pause for due process,” said senior advocate Rajiv Khosla.
The 2020 riots remain a polarising issue, with victims’ families demanding accountability. The court’s final ruling could influence pending cases linked to the violence.
