The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to submit a fresh status report within two weeks on the implementation of recommendations made by Justice S.N. Dhingra-led SIT, which had probed the closure of nearly 200 anti-Sikh riot cases
A Bench comprising Justice Abay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih agreed to hear the case as it has been pending since long.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Home Ministry, informed the bench that some of the SIT’s recommendations had been implemented, appeals filed, and steps taken.
However, the Ministry sought additional time to file a comprehensive affidavit.
Justice Oka, emphasized the urgency of the case, noting its prolonged pendency.
Justice Dhingra’s SIT report, submitted on January 15, 2020, severely criticized the Congress-led government of the time, alleging a lack of interest in prosecuting rioters and accusing police and prosecution agencies of deliberate lapses.
The report also highlighted cases of negligence, such as the destruction of case documents and the clubbing of multiple incidents into a single FIR.
The Bench instructed the Union to clarify which recommendations have been complied with and which remain pending.
Advocates H.S. Phoolka and Amarjit Bedi, appearing for the victims, stressed the need to extend the scope of the investigation to riot incidents outside Delhi, such as those in Kanpur and Bokaro.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27, where it will also address issues related to other states.
