The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the action of North Police in the Noida hate crime case of 2021. The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that the attitude of the investigating officer of the case is very useless. Also said that the Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government, “Why is your investigating officer playing ‘hide and seek’ with the SC?” The court is not at all satisfied with the affidavit of UP Police. The Supreme Court has given two weeks' time to ensure complete compliance. The next hearing of the case will be on May 19.
The Supreme Court said that on February 16, it was told by the state that on the basis of the complaint, a case should have been registered under sections 153-B and 295-A, but even now 153-B has not been added. Expressing dissatisfaction on this, the bench said that the compliance affidavit filed is not satisfactory. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the UP government, why section 153-B of the IPC was not added to the FIR. This section deals with rhetoric against national unity, while Section 295-A applies in cases of hurting religious sentiments.
During the hearing, the ASG told that the trial court has given permission for further investigation and the police will add necessary sections. However, the petitioner's lawyer said that Section 153-B has been removed again. The Supreme Court talked about summoning the investigating officer, but gave two weeks' time on the request of the state. Also said that he should correct his mistake. In his petition, he has also demanded action against some police officers of Gautam Buddha Nagar. They are accused of not following the instructions of the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked the UP government to advise its officials, otherwise they will be in trouble. We have no interest in calling them and reprimanding them.
It is said that this case is related to the alleged hate crime in Noida on July 4, 2021. The complainant, resident of Delhi, had gone to Aligarh for a wedding. On the way, an incident happened with him in Sector 37 of Noida. He was assaulted because of his beard and Muslim identity. Apart from this, there was abuse and harassment.
