Delhi Police Seeks SC Nod to Withdraw 13 FIRs, Fresh Probe Into 2,873 With Criminal Records
The Delhi Police has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to withdraw 13 First Information Reports (FIRs), including 10 registered for attempt to murder, filed in connection with the January 26, 2021 violence at the Red Fort during the farmers' protest. In a related move, the police have stated their intention to register a fresh FIR to investigate the role of 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents who were present at the protest site.
According to the police submission, the withdrawal of the 13 FIRs is part of a broader review of cases arising from the protests. The police have informed the court that they propose to consolidate the investigation into a single new FIR against those with a documented history of criminal activity. This fresh case would draw on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) database, which lists the 2,873 individuals as having serious criminal antecedents and being prima facie present at the protest site at the time of the violence.
The move comes after months of legal proceedings and negotiations. The farmers' protests, which began in late 2020 against three farm laws, culminated in the January 26, 2021, rally that saw a section of protesters clash with police, leading to the storming of the Red Fort. Multiple FIRs were registered by the Delhi Police in the aftermath, targeting various groups and individuals.
In recent months, the police have faced pressure both from courts and civil society to distinguish between peaceful protesters and those with criminal intent. The decision to withdraw the 13 FIRs against certain accused is being seen as an attempt to narrow the focus of prosecution. However, the proposed fresh FIR against the 2,873 individuals signals that the police are not dropping the matter entirely but are instead redirecting their investigation towards those with documented criminal backgrounds.
Legal experts note that such a move requires the sanction of the Supreme Court, as the earlier FIRs were part of ongoing judicial proceedings. The apex court is expected to examine the Delhi Police's plea in the coming weeks. The police have assured the court that the withdrawal will not lead to a loss of evidence or a lack of accountability, as the fresh FIR will comprehensively cover the roles of the identified individuals.
This development highlights the delicate balance between upholding the right to protest and ensuring public safety. While the police maintain that the action is based on objective data from the NCRB, civil liberties groups have urged caution in singling out individuals based solely on past criminal records. They argue that such a criterion could lead to profiling and unjust harassment of marginalized communities.
The Supreme Court has yet to schedule a hearing on the matter. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have reiterated that the investigation will be fair and transparent, and that all legal procedures will be followed. The authority of the court is being respected, and the police have expressed confidence that the fresh FIR will stand up to judicial scrutiny.
Observers believe that the outcome of this case will have significant implications for how protest-related violence is handled in the future. It may also set a precedent for the consolidation of multiple FIRs into a single investigation when warranted by the facts. For now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court's response to the Delhi Police's plea.
