HC questions police why no inquiry was held in Jamia encounter

The Delhi High Court sought an explanation from Delhi Police for not initiating a magisterial inquiry into the Jamia Nagar encounter, despite NHRC guidelines to do so.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought an explanation from Delhi Police for not initiating a magisterial inquiry into the Jamia Nagar encounter, despite NHRC guidelines to do so.

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"NHRC has been asking from the day one for compliance with the guidelines (for magisterial inquiry). Tell us what has been decided by the Lt Governor on the issue," a bench comprising Chief Justice AP Shah and Justice Sanjeev Khanna said, directing the police to file an affidavit.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by an NGO, Act Now For Harmony and Democracy, seeking a judicial inquiry into the encounter on September 19 in which two suspected terrorists allegedly involved in Delhi serial blasts and a police inspector were killed.

Advocate Mukta Gupta, appearing for the police, said it has sought permission from the L-G for an inquiry in the case. "The entire matter has been sent to the L-G who has sought certain clarification on the issue," she said.

She also informed that the police has submitted detailed investigation report on the encounter to the NHRC.

Earlier on December 22 last year, the NHRC had also sought a response from city police over issues linked to the encounter.

Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma was killed in the operation.