Toolkit Case: Delhi High Court Asks Centre About Current Status Of Investigation Against Disha Ravi

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Union of India to file a response on the current position and status of investigation against climate activist Disha Ravi relating to the case against her in connection with the “toolkit” over 2021 farmers protests.

Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing Ravi’s plea seeking to restrain Delhi police from leaking to the media any investigation material regarding the matter.

“Let the Union of India file an affidavit as to the status of investigation and the current position. The affidavit be filed at least two weeks before the next date of hearing,” the court said while listing the matter on September 4.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal appearing for Ravi submitted that the question which needs deliberation in the case is whether the investigating agency has the power and entitlement to identify and collect private data or investigation from a person who is under investigation.

Sibal submitted that no chargesheet has yet been filed in the matter and that Ravi is out on bail.

“During the course of investigation, when the chargesheet is yet to be filed, you’ve collected private data and media starts reporting….,” Sibal said.

To this, Justice Singh said the matter will have to be heard on the aspect if the issue is still alive or not.

Ravi was granted bail by a Sessions court in February 2021 after observing that "considering the scanty and sketchy evidence on record, there was no palpable reason to deny bail".

In her plea before court, Ravi has submitted that her WhatsApp chats, which are private in nature, as well as the alleged admissions and disclosure made during her time in police custody were leaked in public domain. It is her case thar such disclosure is false, malicious and in violation of her right to privacy and free trial.