Supreme Court Stays Hindu-Muslim SIT Order in Akola Riot Probe, Issues Notice on Maharashtra's Review Plea

Image Source: Internet

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has stayed its earlier order directing the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) comprising Hindu and Muslim police officers to probe the 2023 Akola communal riots in Maharashtra. The court issued a notice on the state government's review petition, seeking an independent agency to investigate the case. The court's decision came after a larger bench, led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai, stayed the earlier order issued on September 11. The bench also issued a notice on the review petition, which was filed by the Maharashtra government. The controversy began after a 17-year-old Muslim boy was assaulted during a communal riot in Akola's Old City area following an objectionable social media post on Prophet Muhammad. The police failed to investigate the case, and the Bombay High Court had earlier rejected the boy's petition to set up an SIT for probe. The Supreme Court, in its earlier judgment, found clear lapses on the part of the police, who disbelieved the victim's statement and named Muslims in the FIR despite the victim claiming that the assailants were Hindus. The court directed the state home secretary to initiate disciplinary action against the errant police officer and create a SIT comprising senior Hindu and Muslim officials to investigate the assault. The court's order was seen as a way to ensure transparency and fairness in the investigation, given the sensitive nature of the case. However, the state government argued that the direction impinged upon the principle of institutional secularism and created a divide within the uniformed force. The matter has now been posted for hearing after four weeks, and the court will consider the review plea further. The court's decision to stay the SIT order has raised questions about the need for such a team in the investigation and whether it would be effective in maintaining transparency and fairness in the probe.