[Tractor Rally Violence] PIL In Delhi High Court Seeks Deployment Of Paramilitary Forces In Delhi & Removal Of Commissioner For Allegedly Failing To Discharge Duty

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the High Court of Delhi under Article 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, seeking the deployment of adequate para-military forces to ensure a safety of life and personal and, removal of people participating in farmers agitation against the farm bills. The PIL also seeks the removal of the current Police Commissioner from his post as well as other police officers, who have failed to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively.

The petition has been filed by Advocate Bhoop Singh on behalf of Dhananjai Jain, a resident of Delhi, making Union of India, Ministry of Home affairs and the Delhi Police Commissioner as respondents.

The petitioner in the petition has briefly summarized the incident happened in Delhi on 26th of January 2020. The farmers agitating against the legislation passed by the union government which concerns their interest, have declared the program for holding a tractor march through the roads of Delhi on the occasion of Republic Day. The route was agreed amicably by the farmers and the police authorities, the plea reads.

"However, the protestors did not confine to the agreed route and tried to attack the police authorities which disrupted the normal life. They broke the barricades and thronged the precincts of Red Fort in thousands. They climbed the rostrum where ceremony of flag hoisting is done by Prime Minister and unfurled and hoisted their own flag. The petition also states that the farmers reached the interiors of Delhi armed with weapons, hockey sticks, swords and other assault weapons disturbing the peace and law and order and tranquility in the capital of Delhi city apart from demeaning the Republic Day festivity the protestors have hit the icon of sovereignty. The protestors have hit the icon of sovereignty by hoisting their own flag instead of national flag at Red Fort. It raised serious alarm and anxiety amongst the citizens and in particular those living in Delhi"
- PIL In Delhi HC

The petitioner has highlighted that the lack of timely decision making by the Commissioner and other highly placed officials of Delhi Police the police post at the Red Fort was abandoned by the police.

"Despite the police being chased away by the protesters brandishing swords and other weapons of assault the higher officials of the police did not wield appropriate force to deter and disperse the mob of protestors resulting into structure of the token of sovereignty of India namely the Red Fort being put under siege by the protesters. The police personnel in the absence of permission to wiled proper force were seen jumping from the walls of the Red Fort in the ditch adjacent to the entrance to Red Fort and being beaten away by the protestors and which is not expected from an armed police force. Maintaining law and order is the prime responsibility of the police authorities in the territories of Delhi, which is under the control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs," the plea reads.

The petitioner has prayed before the court that the respondents:

1. To immediately remove people squatting under the garb of Kissan Agitation and clear all the roads and public places after removing them;
2. Put adequate para-military forces to protect important monuments and to ensure safety of life and property of citizens of Delhi and restore feeling of confidence and security amongst them;
3. Remove present Commissioner of Police from his post and punish all the police officers who failed in discharging their duty.

Access Copy of the Petition Here