The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to stay the trial court proceedings against two men accused of assaulting Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in August last year.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani rejected the request for stay made by the counsel appearing for Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahseen Raza.
The Counsel said that the next hearing of the case was scheduled for April 20, when evidence is set to begin.
The trial court has already summoned the medical chief, the examiner who prepared the medico-legal certificate (MLC), and the Chief Minister’s personal security officer (PSO).
Justice Bhambhani denied the prayer by the accused to stay the trial.
"I do not believe in staying something unless I am very clear that something wrong is going on or will go on. I do not see that [here] at all," the Court remarked.
The Court also questioned why the two men were at Gupta's "jan sunwai (public hearing)" when they were not residents of Delhi.
“I still do not understand why you were in Delhi at all. Pardon me for saying this, but ordinarily, people who are taxi drivers or auto drivers have to keep working every day. They may not be daily wagers, but they do not give up their work to show up in a State hundreds of kilometres away to participate in a protest," Justice Bhambhani said.
He issued notice to the Delhi Police in the matter and listed the case for further consideration on May 21.
The High Court was dealing with Khimjibhai and Raza's plea against the trial court’s order framing charges against them.
The assault on Rekha Gupta occurred on August 20, 2025, during a public “jan sunwai” at her Civil Lines camp office. The trial court in December last year framed charges of attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and assault on a public servant.
After hearing the case today, Justice Bhambhani forensic science laboratory in Rohini to examine the mobile phones of the two accused and submit its report within four weeks.
He said that he wants to find the connection between the two accused.
"One stays and the other participates in Jan Sunwaayi, which has nothing to do with the Supreme Court order. It’s important to know what is locked up in your cell phones,” he added.