Delhi Violence: 'Can't Allow Repeat Of 1984', Says High Court As Death Toll Climbs To 25

"We have to be alert," said Justice Muralidhar and ordered safe passage for collection of body of deceased, setting up of adequate number of helplines, shelter to people who have been displaced among other things.

Security personnel patrol near burnt-out and damaged residential premises following clashes between people supporting and opposing a contentious amendment to India's citizenship law, in New Delhi on February 26. (Image: AFP)

New Delhi: In the wake of the ongoing violence in Northeast Delhi over the protests against contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Delhi High Court on Wednesday passed a series of orders stating that "another 1984-like situation cannot be allowed to happen in the city under its watch." In a strongly-worded warning, Justice S Muralidhar cautioned the authorities to remain alert so that the carnage caused during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is not repeated. The death toll in the violence has now reached to 25. As per reports, the court's order came after it watched the video of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra in which he has been alleged of making hate-filled communal remarks in northeast Delhi's Maujpur area on Sunday afternoon. The court also directed the Police to take 'conscious decision' with respect to lodging of FIRs against alleged hate speeches by three BJP leaders in connection with the CAA violence and convey by Thursday. The three BJP leaders are -- Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma.

Delhi violence matter in Delhi HC: Justice Muralidhar says we are surprised at the conduct of the police. HC also asks SG to advise the police commissioner on the registration of an FIR against the BJP leaders who made hate speeches; Hearing to held 2:30pm again https://t.co/b2Ho1bXYhw

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020

"We have to be alert," said Justice Muralidhar and ordered safe passage for collection of body of deceased, setting up of adequate number of helplines, shelter to people who have been displaced among other things. "We propose to appoint amicus curie to coordinate between victims and agencies to ensure that prompt action is taken," the court said adding that further hearing in the matter would take place on February 27 (Thursday). The court held a special hearing, which started at 12:30 am at the residence of Justice Muralidhar, after receiving a call from an advocate explaining the dire circumstances wherein it was not possible to move the victims from a small hospital to the GTB Hospital.

Delhi violence matter in Delhi High Court: The court adjourns the matter for tomorrow and states that the authorities must go strictly by the mandate of the law. https://t.co/2ExFwnbXXa

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020

It then directed the police to ensure safe passage for the injured to government hospitals and providing emergency treatment for them. The bench had also called for a status report of compliance, including information about the injured victims and the treatment offered to them. It had directed the Police to deploy all resources at command and on the strength of the order as well as to make sure the injured receive immediate emergency treatment, if not at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital then at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) or Maulana Azad or any other hospital. ALSO WATCH | High Court: Surprised At Police' Conduct On Delhi Protest The urgent hearing was conducted after advocate Suroor Mander called the judge and sought urgent orders for safe passage of ambulances for the injured. According to reports, Delhi Police and the government were represented through additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose. During the hearing, the bench spoke over phone to doctor Anwar of the Al-hind Hospital in New Mustafabad who told the court that there were two bodies and 22 injured persons there and he had been trying to seek police assistance since 4 pm on Tuesday without success. The court then directed the senior officials to reach to the hospital forthwith, following which they started the process of evacuating the injured to the nearest hospitals. It also said this order be brought to the knowledge of the Delhi Police Commissioner. (With inputs from agencies)