Delhi HC cancels bail in Turkman gate violence case

The Delhi High Court has set aside the bail granted to an accused in connection with stone-pelting and violence during an anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque at Turkman Gate earlier this month, observing that the trial court’s order lacked proper reasoning.

Justice Prateek Jalan , in an order passed on January 21, said the court was ordinarily reluctant to interfere with personal liberty but termed the case “exceptional,” noting that the bail was granted through a “cryptic and unreasonable” order. The High Court remanded the matter to the sessions court for reconsideration of the bail plea.

The accused, Ubedullah , a street vendor, had been granted bail on January 20. Setting aside the order, the High Court said the trial court failed to adequately consider the prosecution’s submissions or conduct even a prima facie assessment of factors governing the grant of bail. The sessions court has been directed to hear the matter afresh on January 23.

The prosecution has alleged that Ubedullah was part of a violent mob that obstructed police and civic officials, indulged in stone-pelting, and caused damage to public property. To oppose bail, the prosecution relied on CCTV footage and the disclosure statement of a co-accused. The defence, however, argued that the case against the accused was a “fishing expedition.”

The case stems from violence that erupted on the intervening night of January 6 and 7 during an anti-encroachment drive near the mosque in the Ramlila Maidan area. Police said rumours circulated on social media claiming that the mosque opposite Turkman Gate was being demolished, leading to a large gathering. According to officials, around 150-200 people hurled stones and glass bottles at police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi personnel, injuring six policemen, including the area’s station house officer.