Plea in SC against UP govt's move to withdraw Muzaffarnagar riots cases

A plea was today moved in the Supreme Court against the alleged attempt of the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw around 131 cases related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots including those involving serious offences like attempt to murder.

The plea filed by Shamli resident Imran alleged that the cases sought to be withdrawn include those in which UP minister Suresh Rana, former Union minister Sanjiv Balyan, MP Bhartendu Singh, MLA Umesh Malik and ruling party leader Sadhvi Prachi are accused.

The plea also sought directions to transfer the pending Muzaffarnagar riots cases to Delhi or to any other appropriate place outside Uttar Pradesh.

"Issue directions to appoint independent public prosecutors for the 131 cases related to Muzaffarnagar riots," the plea said.

"Issue directions to injunct Respondent No. 2 (Uttar Pradesh) from ordering withdrawal of cases without prior permission of this court," the plea added.

Imran also alleged that since elected MPs and MLAs are accused in these cases, attempts are being made to withdraw cases without transferring them to the Special Fast Track Court.

The plea alleged that the state government had issued a letter to the district magistrates of Shamli and Muzaffarnagar earlier this year to provide a favourable response on withdrawing the cases.

"The beneficiaries of this order are to be powerful local leaders who have even since the riots continued intemperate speech aimed at arousing communal passions," the plea said.

The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in August and September 2013 had claimed more than 60 lives while over 40,000 people were displaced.

In the two riot cases, 22 activists, including Rana, are facing trial in which a special investigation team (SIT) has filed charge sheets.