MISRULE OF LAW, Pg 10.

Key Highlights:

• Five years after the Delhi riots, verdicts have been pronounced in only 116 of 695 cases filed by Delhi Police as of August 2025.
• Courts have pointed out procedural lapses and fabrication of evidence in at least 93 of the 97 acquittals.
• The Delhi High Court accused the police of being “driven by a bigoted mindset” in certain instances during the riots.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been used in several riots cases, raising concerns about its application.

Detailed Insights:

• Questions arose regarding the Delhi Police's inaction and prejudiced conduct during the riots, threatening the rule of law.
• Courts have noted instances of police officers "padding evidence," preparing false statements, and "dictating" witness statements.
• The lack of criminal action against officers for presenting false evidence highlights a lack of accountability within the system.
• The application of the UAPA in riots cases has been criticized for relaxing the burden of proof and hindering bail for the accused.
• There are concerns about linking the Delhi riots with the 2020 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
• The poor conviction rate reflects deficiencies in the criminal justice system, hindering closure for victims.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Rule of Law: The principle that all people are subject to and accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): An anti-terrorism law that grants the government special powers to deal with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India.
• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): A law that offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.