Delhi Riots: We should never allow another 1984, Justice Muralidhar; Delhi HC passes directions in plea for safe passage for injured

The Delhi High Court today cautioned the authorities to remain alert so that the carnage caused during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is not repeated.(Rahul Roy vs Govt of NCT of Delhi & Ors).The Bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Anup Bhambhani observed,."No, no we should never allow another 1984...especially under the watch of the Court and under your (Delhi Police) watch..We have to be very, very alert."Justice S Muralidhar."Amazed at state of affairs of Delhi Police", Delhi HC hears Harsh Mander’s plea concerning Delhi Riots [LIVE UPDATES].The Court was hearing a plea seeking safe passage for those injured over the past few days in the Delhi Riots..At the outset, the Court was informed today that pursuant to its order passed last night, safe passage was created for the injured and communication was established. The Court commended the Delhi Police for prompt action..Delhi Riots: "Make sure a senior level Police Officer is here", Bench headed by Justice Muralidhar to hear Harsh Mander's petition at 12.30.Advocate Mehmood Pracha sought similar instructions to enable safe passage of bodies or deceased persons to their houses. Standing Counsel for the Delhi government Rahul Mehra sought directions to facilitate a prompt communication line..The Court was also informed that 100s of people have left their homes and cannot come back immediately. In response, Justice Muralidhar called for confidence building by the State said,."Every victim must be visited by the highest State functionary. Those families which has lost members must be assured."Delhi High court.The Bench also took note of the injuries suffered by Delhi Police officers. While doing so, it observed,."How you respond to the situation is very critical. This is the time to reach out and assure families across the divide."Delhi High Court."..this is a country which is plural, it is inclusive."Justice Muralidhar remarked..Subsequently, Advocate Suroor Mander, appearing for the petitioners, told the Court that the issue of access to ambulances is not just about North East Delhi but other places as well. She referred to a hospital in Shaheen Bagh..Mander also sought basic relief for those injured or dead in the riots. In response, Justice Muralidhar said,"I am sure there are schemes.".The Court then stated that it would appoint an Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) in the matter."We'll keep it back for monitoring. Let's take up the issues one by one.", the Court said..At this point, Advocate Adit Pujari suggested the appointment of a night Magistrate for the whole of Delhi..The Court agreed to this suggestion, saying that it would ask the District & Sessions Judges to appoint a designated night Magistrate for the next two weeks..While dictating its order, the Court asked the Delhi Police if there could be a separate helpline for the current situation. It also asks if there were Civil Defence Volunteers in the city..In its order, the recorded that the Delhi Police will explore the possibilities of seeking assistance from Civil Defence Volunteers/Home guards. .With respect to safe passage for the dead and for their cremation/burials etc, the Court ordered, "We leave it to the Police to work out the modalities in consultation with the families.".The Delhi Police has further ordered requisition of adequate number of ambulances and fire tenders as well as Civil Defence Volunteers/home guards..If there are not enough shelters, the Delhi government shall ensure that such shelters are set up for those displaced, the Court further directed. The shelters shall have basic requirements such as blankets, sanitation, clean drinking water etc. The existing users of the shelters shall obviously not be displaced, the Court clarified..The Delhi Police was also directed to make a formal application to the District Judges concerned for appointment of Night Magistrates in each district for the next two weeks from tomorrow..The Court also appointed Advocate Zubeda Begum as Amicus Curiae. Begum may requisition 4-5 staff by contacting the Principal Secretary, Home Department of the Delhi government for assistance in the task, the Court directed..Moreover, the Court directed that helplines and the District Legal Service Authorities are running 24/7. The contact numbers of helplines are to be given adequate publicity, it said. The Court also directed that the those who are suffering from mental trauma due to the riots shall be given adequate medical assistance. .With these directions, the Court adjourned the matter for Friday, February 28..Read the Order: