Mon Feb 17 11:00:40 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Court Orders Police to Inform Investigating Officers of Attendance Mandate in 2020 Riots Cases
**New Delhi, February 17, 2025** – A Delhi court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the northeast district to ensure all investigating officers (IOs) in the 2020 Delhi riots cases are informed of a previous police order mandating their presence during arguments on charges.
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala issued the order after noting the repeated absence of an IO in a rioting case. The judge observed that the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Rajiv Kumar, was absent from a hearing on February 13th due to a lack of summons, despite a previous police order requiring IOs’ presence at this stage of proceedings. The judge expressed concern that this order, issued by Delhi Police headquarters at the behest of the Commissioner of Police, appeared to be unknown to the station house officer (SHO) and the IOs.
The judge stated that the DCP must implement measures to ensure subordinate officers are informed of all relevant instructions and guidelines and that a system be put in place to address the issue of non-compliance with such orders. The court’s action highlights concerns regarding communication and accountability within the Delhi Police force concerning the ongoing 2020 riots cases.
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