SC declines to hear Harsh Mander after video row, expedites HC hearing of Delhi riots case

On Wednesday, a Supreme Court bench led by CJI SA Bobde ordered matters pertaining to registration of FIRs against BJP leers making provocative speeches allegedly leing to Delhi riots to be listed for hearing before court of Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel on March 6.

On same day, SC will hear matter concerning video dated December 16 last year, allegedly containing controversial remarks by Harsh Mander. During hearing, SC suggested that political leers from both sides can talk to people to bring about peace. Earlier, Delhi HC h journed matter until April 13.  

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SC refuses to hear Harsh Mander’s arguments 

At outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited a video clip of Harsh Mander where he is allegedly seen expressing faith in Supreme Court. reafter, CJI SA Bobde asked for a transcript of his speech. When counsel for Harsh Mander denied contents of video, CJI stated that y would hear all petitioners except Mander until this issue was clarified. vocate Karuna Nundy appeared for Harsh Mander. CJI asked Mehta to file an affidavit about alleged clip by 2 pm.  

Subsequently, he questioned Solicitor General on wher atmosphere was w conducive to file FIRs. Observing that speeches h been me from both sides, Mehta argued that authorities could t be selective in registering FIRs. While Mehta urged SC bench to t allow Colin Gonsalves to appear for or petitioners (riot victims), CJI did t agree to this. Gonsalves informed court about provocative speeches of BJP leers allegedly leing to Delhi riots. Mentioning that 468 FIRs h been registered pertaining to riots, Solicitor General raised questions on petitioner’s desire to seek FIRs against three specific individuals. n, Gonsalves quoted order passed by Delhi HC on first day of hearing. Disagreeing that arresting someone is solution, CJI recalled that Bombay riots aggravated when  Shakha Pramukhs were apprehended. 

Highlighting that apex court wouldn’t rmally interfere as Delhi HC was seized of matter, he opined that journment for such a long time was unnecessary. He n remarked that court may request Delhi HC Chief Justice to hear matter on Friday. On or hand,  Solicitor General stated that Delhi HC CJ might have good reason to journ matter and ded that it would be naïve to assume that speeches by 2-3 leers could le to riots. While SG kept pleing for more time, SC bench did t agree with this proposition. 

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Harsh Mander video sparks off controversy 

In video shared by BJP leer Kapil Mishra, Harsh Mander is reportedly heard saying, “ fight won’t be won in Supreme Court because we have seen for some time, in matters pertaining to NRC, Ayodhya, and Kashmir, Supreme Court has t protected ideals of humanity, equality, and secularism. re, we will definitely try. It is our Supreme Court. But decision will neir happen in Parliament r in Supreme Court. future of this country- all of you belong to young generation and you will decide what kind of country you want to give to your children. But, where will this decision happen? This will happen on streets. And we have come on streets.” 

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