'We Would Wish Peace But You Know…': CJI SA Bobde's Observation On Delhi Riots

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking lodging of FIRs against politicians and others for their purported hate speeches which allegedly led to recent violence in Delhi. The plea filed by some riot victims was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, which said it would be heard on Wednesday. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, told the bench that the Delhi High Court has deferred the pleas on Delhi violence for four weeks despite the fact that people are still dying.

The bench told Gonsalves that courts are not equipped to control riots and it is the job of the executive. "We would wish peace but you know that there are limitations," the bench observed, adding, "Courts are not equipped to handle such kind of pressure"."We also read newspapers and the comments which are made," the CJI said. Gonsalves said that high court should not have deferred the Delhi violence matter for four weeks.

"When people are still dying then why can't the high court hear it urgently," he said and urged the apex court to list the plea for hearing on Tuesday. The bench agreed to hear the plea on March 4. Meanwhile, many students appeared for their board exams in riot-affected North East Delhi amid heavy security as authorities maintained that the situation continued to remain calm but tense in the area.

There was also no fresh incident of violence and there is a heavy deployment of security personnel in Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Babarpur, Chand Bagh, Shiv Vihar, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Mustafabad. Authorities maintained that the death toll remains at 42 even as four bodies were fished out of drains in northeast Delhi on Sunday. Many students appeared for their board exams in northeast Delhi. The CBSE on Sunday said any further delay in conducting board exams in violence-affected parts of North East Delhi may hamper chances of students in securing admission to professional courses like medical and engineering.

However, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is ready to conduct fresh exams for students who are not able to appear for the board exams as per schedule in view of the violence in northeast Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also appealed to the people to provide details of the needy for a quick response from government agencies.

"We are working 24/7 to make sure relief efforts reach all in need. If u know of anyone who is in need, use #DelhiRelief to reach us. Pl do mention exact address/contact details so that we can reach him. We will ensure a quick response from our agencies," he tweeted. The violence in Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Babarpur, Chand Bagh, Shiv Vihar, Bhajan Pura, Yamuna Vihar and Mustafabad areas of northeast Delhi claimed at least 42 lives and left over 200 injured.