New Delhi: As supporters of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal hold protests in Delhi over the communal violence in Haryana, the Supreme Court has asked authorities to ensure tight security and CCTV surveillance of the protests to prevent any escalation.
The court has said steps should be taken to ensure no violence and hate speeches during these protests. It has also directed authorities to put adequate force, including personnel from paramilitary forces, on the ground.
"Please ensure that the authorities take appropriate action that there are no violence and there are no hate speeches. Also deploy CCTVs so that everything is recorded," the court said.
Supporters of VHP and Bajrang Dal held protests at nearly 30 locations across the national capital over the violence in neighbouring Haryana that has claimed six lives and caused huge losses to property. The protesters are demanding a probe by National Investigation Agency into the incidents of violence.
The matter was placed before the Supreme Court this morning when the petitioners' counsel CU Singh approached the bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and sought urgent attention.
Justice Bose directed the petitioner to approach Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. At the point, a five-judge bench led by the Chief Justice was hearing petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. At lunchtime, the petitioner approached the Chief Justice and sought directions on the protest in Delhi.
The Chief Justice, it is learnt, went through the documents and formed a special bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SV Bhatti to hear the matter.
The rioting in Haryana was sparked by a religious procession taken out by VHP and Bajrang Dal in Nuh, about 80 km from the national capital, on Monday. The march came under firing and heavy stone-pelting and a crowd of about 2,500 people had to take shelter inside a temple.
The incident started a series of communal flare-ups. A mosque was torched late on Monday night and its cleric killed. Over the past couple of days, multiple shops and business establishments were attacked. Internet remains suspended and prohibitory orders are in force in several areas.
Delhi authorities have been watching the Gurugram situation closely. Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory this morning, alerting residents of roads that would see protests.
In a statement, they said security arrangements have made in sensitive areas and said any attempt to disrupt communal harmony would be dealt with strictly.