Farmers Movement Archive

19 arrested, 25 FIRs filed in Republic Day clash: Centre to Delhi HC

NEW DELHI: The Centre told Delhi High Court on Wednesday that 19 people had been arrested and 25 FIRs lodged in connection with the Republic Day violence during the farmers’ tractor rally. Additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma told the court that 50 people were detained and investigation was ongoing into the incident, following which adequate security personnel had been deployed at the monument. The submissions by police and the Centre came on a PIL that sought removal of people squatting under the garb of farmers agitation, and clear all the roads and public places. Taking note, a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and justice Jasmeet Singh said it would first find out if any similar matter was already filed in or pending before or disposed of by the Supreme Court. It asked the Centre to give details of any similar matter in the apex court and listed the petition by a Delhi resident, Dhananjai Jain, for a hearing next month. The plea also sought direction to remove the Delhi Police commissioner with immediate effect and punish all the cops, who allegedly failed in discharging their duties relating to the Red Fort incident. According to the plea, the Centre must be ordered to put adequate paramilitary forces to protect important monuments and ensure safety of life and property of citizens of Delhi, and restore feeling of confidence and security among them. On January 12, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the contentious new farm laws till further orders, and constituted a four-member committee to make recommendations to resolve the impasse over them between the Centre and the farmers’ unions protesting at Delhi borders.

The Times of India

2021-02-25

Delhi