Gargi College molestation: Delhi High Court disturbed by impending closure of case; orders DCP to monitor probe

The Delhi High Court had ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to personally supervise the investigation in the 2020 Gargi college molestation case where hundreds of men entered the college campus and allegedly molested dozens of girl students during their cultural festival..A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order after the Delhi Police said that none of the aggrieved parties have identified the perpetrators. Therefore an ‘untraced report’ has been prepared and the same is awaiting further proceedings before the magistrate court, the police submitted.The Court, in turn, voiced its unease regarding the impending closure of the ‘grievous incident without holding any individual accountable.'The Court said that law enforcement agencies must instill confidence in the eyewitness students and assist them to come forward to make the necessary disclosures.“The Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, ought to be leveraged to fortify the investigation and safeguard witnesses. It is crucial to scrutinize all available footage, especially those capturing the vehicles, given the evidence suggesting their significant role in the incident. Media reports indicate that certain individuals were apprehended but were later released on bail. To let go such potential leads without meticulous scrutiny would be a miscarriage of justice,” the Court said.It added that media reports concerning the detention and subsequent release of certain individuals tied to the case also necessitated a comprehensive follow up. “We are therefore of the opinion that the concerned DCP should personally look into the matter and supervise the investigation," the Court proceeded to order..It also directed the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Vice-Chancellors of Delhi University to bolster police visibility and surveillance during college events in order to prevent future recurrence of such incidents.“Secondly, both the college and Delhi University administrations must work in concert with the police to establish protective protocols, ensuring students' safety," the Court said. .On February 6, 2020 hundreds of allegedly drunk men had mobbed the entrance of Gargi college and forced their way in during the college’s annual cultural festival. Students had alleged that the mob sexually assaulted them in the presence of police.A public interest litigation (PIL) petition was later filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma seeking court monitored inquiry into the incident..The Court noted that given the ongoing proceedings before the trial court, it is apt that the High Court refrain from any further monitoring. Therefore, the PIL was disposed of. .Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rajesh Kumar with advocates Ramneet Kaur, Mishika Pandita, Shivam Singh and Dobwal appeared for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Additional Standing Counsel (ASC) Nandita Rao with advocates Amit Peswani and Jasraj Singh Chhabra appeared for the Delhi Police.Central Government Standing Counsel Anil Soni as well as advocates Devrat Yadav, Archil Misra and Prateek Rana represented the Union of India..[Read Order].[2020 Gargi College molestation case] Delhi Police tell Delhi High Court chargesheet yet to be filed, delayed due to COVID-19