Delhi High Court Declines Stay in Chief Minister Assault Case
NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has refused to halt the trial of two men accused of assaulting Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, clearing the way for the lower court to begin recording evidence this month.
Trial to Proceed as Scheduled
Presiding over the matter, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani rejected a plea filed by the accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahseen Raza, who sought a stay on the ongoing trial court proceedings. The High Court emphasized that there was no immediate evidence of procedural irregularity that would warrant an intervention in the trial.
"I do not believe in staying something unless I am very clear that something wrong is going on or will go on," the Court remarked during the hearing.
The trial court is currently scheduled to begin examining evidence on April 20, having already summoned medical experts and the Chief Minister’s Personal Security Officer (PSO) to testify.
Questions Over Presence at Public Hearing
The Court raised several questions regarding the motives of the two accused. Justice Bhambhani noted that neither individual is a resident of Delhi, yet both were present at the Chief Minister’s “Jan Sunwai” (public hearing) at her Civil Lines office when the alleged incident occurred in August 2025.
The judge observed that it was unusual for individuals working as taxi or auto drivers to travel hundreds of kilometers from their home states to participate in a protest or public hearing in the capital.
Digital Evidence and Next Steps
To further investigate the relationship between the two men and any potential coordination, the High Court has ordered:
- Mobile Forensic Audit: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Rohini must examine the defendants' mobile phones.
- Report Deadline: A forensic report must be submitted to the court within four weeks.
- Police Response: A formal notice has been issued to the Delhi Police to file their response.
Case Background
The charges stem from an incident on August 20, 2025, where the Chief Minister was allegedly targeted during a public grievance session. In December last year, a trial court framed serious charges against the duo, including:
- Attempt to murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Assault on a public servant
The High Court has listed the matter for further consideration on May 21, 2026.
Discription: The Delhi High Court has officially declined to stay the trial court proceedings against Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahseen Raza, the two men accused of assaulting Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Presiding Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani emphasized that the judicial process should not be interrupted without clear evidence of wrongdoing. The court questioned why the defendants, who are not Delhi residents, were present at a local public hearing, leading to orders for a forensic examination of their mobile phones to uncover potential coordination. The accused currently face serious charges, including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, following the August 2025 incident at the Chief Minister’s office. With this ruling, the trial court is set to begin recording witness evidence on April 20, while the High Court will revisit the legal challenge regarding the framing of charges on May 21, 2026.
