In a significant ruling related to the 2020 Delhi riots, the Karkardooma Court has convicted Lokesh Kumar Solanki under Sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court found that Solanki had deliberately used inflammatory messages to incite hostility and hatred against the Muslim community during the peak of the riots in Gokalpuri, one of the most affected areas.

Court’s Strong Words on Hate Speech

The court stated that Solanki’s actions were aimed at:

• Instigating other individuals in his group to act violently against Muslims

• Further inflaming communal tensions that were already high in February 2020

The court concluded that his WhatsApp messages and statements were not merely opinion but dangerous incitements that could provoke violence and deepen religious divides.

Murder Charges Dropped Earlier

While Solanki was initially arrested along with 12 others on murder charges related to the deaths of Amin and Bhure Ali, those charges were dismissed in March 2025 due to lack of direct evidence. The judge ruled that the WhatsApp chats, where Solanki allegedly claimed responsibility for two murders, were not legally sufficient proof to convict for homicide.

Meanwhile in High Court: Bail Pleas of Other Key Accused

In a related development, the Delhi High Court heard the bail pleas of prominent accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the riots, including:

• Umar Khalid

• Sharjeel Imam

• Shifa-ur-Rehman

• Meeran Haider

• Athar Khan

• Gulfisha Fatima, among others

They are charged under UAPA and various IPC sections for allegedly planning and coordinating the riots, which claimed 53 lives and injured over 700 people.

Solicitor General’s Argument: “National Interest at Stake”

Representing the Delhi Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed bail, stating:

“If you are working against the country, you should remain in jail until acquitted or convicted.”

He emphasized the scale of violence, including injuries to 100 police personnel, one of whom died in the line of duty.

The High Court has reserved its verdict on these bail petitions.

What This Means

• Lokesh Solanki’s conviction is one of the few instances of a clear judicial ruling on hate speech and communal incitement from the 2020 riots.

• Meanwhile, the fate of key accused under UAPA remains uncertain, with legal and political implications riding on the High Court’s upcoming decision.