New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – A Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against an accused in the 2020 riots case linked to the murder of Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal. The decision came after the accused, Shahnawaz, failed to appear in court on time despite repeated instructions.
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala, who is overseeing the case registered by Dayalpur Police Station, reprimanded the accused for habitual tardiness. The case, involving charges of rioting, murder, and other offenses, is currently at the stage of prosecution evidence.
The court noted that on January 3, neither Shahnawaz nor his lawyer were present during the proceedings. Another defense counsel stated he was unaware of Shahnawaz's whereabouts.
Expressing frustration over repeated delays, Judge Pramachala remarked, "I have been regularly reminding all accused that it is their duty to be present in court by 2 PM sharp. The timing was set considering the convenience of the defense counsels and the accused so they could utilize the rest of their day. However, their late arrivals have become a daily occurrence, causing unnecessary delays."
Stating that Shahnawaz’s absence was not an isolated incident, the judge ruled that a lenient approach could no longer be justified. Consequently, an NBW was issued against him, and the next hearing was deferred until February 10.
During the dictation of the order, Shahnawaz’s counsel arrived and was informed of the court’s decision.
This case is among several being heard in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, which led to widespread violence and multiple casualties, including the death of head constable Ratan Lal.
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala, who is overseeing the case registered by Dayalpur Police Station, reprimanded the accused for habitual tardiness. The case, involving charges of rioting, murder, and other offenses, is currently at the stage of prosecution evidence.
The court noted that on January 3, neither Shahnawaz nor his lawyer were present during the proceedings. Another defense counsel stated he was unaware of Shahnawaz's whereabouts.
Expressing frustration over repeated delays, Judge Pramachala remarked, "I have been regularly reminding all accused that it is their duty to be present in court by 2 PM sharp. The timing was set considering the convenience of the defense counsels and the accused so they could utilize the rest of their day. However, their late arrivals have become a daily occurrence, causing unnecessary delays."
Stating that Shahnawaz’s absence was not an isolated incident, the judge ruled that a lenient approach could no longer be justified. Consequently, an NBW was issued against him, and the next hearing was deferred until February 10.
During the dictation of the order, Shahnawaz’s counsel arrived and was informed of the court’s decision.
This case is among several being heard in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, which led to widespread violence and multiple casualties, including the death of head constable Ratan Lal.
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