HC Warns Police on Uttam Nagar Tensions

• Delhi HC issues notice over law-and-order concerns in Uttam Nagar
• Directs police to maintain strict vigilance till Ram Navami
• Flags social media threats, calls for restraint across communities
• Emphasises need to ensure peaceful Eid celebrations

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th March: The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Delhi government and police over law-and-order concerns in Uttam Nagar, directing authorities to maintain strict vigilance in the area till Ram Navami.

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard an urgent plea flagging tensions ahead of Eid and warned authorities “not to be lax” in ensuring peace.

Observing that developments in the national capital have wider implications, the court remarked, “Whatever happens in Delhi has a ripple effect on the entire country,” and directed the police to ensure restraint across communities.

The matter was mentioned by Senior Advocate Nitya Ramkrishnan, who pointed to alleged threats circulating on social media and claimed inadequate police response. The court, however, refused to dispose of the plea and scheduled the next hearing for April 6.

During the hearing, the Delhi government informed the court that extensive security arrangements have been in place since March 5, particularly in the Dwarka district. According to submissions, eight companies of police personnel have been deployed across 11 police stations, along with 400 Central Armed Police Forces personnel.

Authorities also informed the court that over 50 inflammatory social media posts have been taken down, while requests have been made to remove 174 additional posts. Police have conducted verification of over 8,800 individuals in the area and held Aman Committee meetings to maintain communal harmony.

The court stressed that Eid, a festival of joy, must not be disrupted. “It is the duty of all concerned to ensure that on such a pious occasion, public life is not affected by any untoward incident,” the bench observed.

While acknowledging the preventive steps taken, the court directed police to strengthen arrangements if required and take all necessary measures based on intelligence inputs.

The bench also cautioned petitioners against making statements that could escalate tensions, emphasising that the immediate priority is to prevent any untoward incident.

Reiterating the need for collective responsibility, the court directed both authorities and citizens to ensure an atmosphere of peace and harmony during the festive period.