'Theft cases handled more seriously than riot cases'

Ten years after the Naroda Patiya massacre the verdict in the trial was delivered yesterday some questioned the delay in the delivery of justice, but as human rights lawyer HS Phoolka pointed out, the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots have still to receive justice.

Phoolka, a high court lawyer who has been fighting for justice for 1984 riot victims, said that riot cases are not investigated with utmost importance in India.

“If there is a normal case of a theft of a car, investigation in that case is conducted much more seriously than the murder of people in riots,” Phoolka said to CNN-IBN.

“Whenever a large scale violence takes place, it is with the connivance of the local political leaders and with the government. Law enforcement agencies are also involved,” he added.

Speaking about the Delhi riot cases of 1984, Phoolka said,“In Delhi(1984 riot cases) unfortunately, we are quite disappointed with the judiciary also. Except for one order from Justice Shah, appointing a special prosecution in the Sajjan Kumar case, which made a substantial difference.”

Phoolka also stated how the judiciary and law and enforcement agencies delayed the cases, and was unhappy with Supreme Court’s judgement.

“On 8th of April 1992, the Delhi police SHO and ACP sign the charge sheet to be filed in the court, for three murder cases. For 19 years this charge sheet was not filed. On 11 September 1990, when Sajjan Kumar was arrested by CBI, the high court gave the anticipatory bail despite the fact that high court has no jurisdiction to grant anticipatory bail,” he said.

“The Supreme Court granted stay twice in the matter of Sajjan Kumar, which according to me, is unfortunate,” he added.