Delhi High Court Judge Recuses from Uphaar Fire Evidence Tampering Case

Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court has recused from hearing the evidence tampering case linked to the 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy, following apprehensions raised by the complainant.

The complainant expressed concern that Justice Mahajan, having earlier represented M/s. Ansal Housing and Construction Limited as a lawyer, might not provide a fair hearing. Consequently, the matter was requested to be listed before a different Bench.

Counsel for the petitioners objected strongly, noting that the hearing had already commenced and arguments were addressed on October 29, 2025.

Hearing the submissions, the Court stated: “Even though the objection raised is meritless and does not have any basis, in order to allay any fear that the complainant may have, in the interest of justice, subject to orders of Hon'ble the Judge In-Charge (Single Benches – Criminal Jurisdiction), list these matters before another Bench on 06.11.2025.”

The pleas seek revision of a trial court order enhancing the sentence awarded to Sushil Ansal, Gopal Ansal, and others convicted in the case.

The Uphaar fire tragedy, which occurred on 13 June 1997, claimed 59 lives and injured 103 people during an afternoon screening of the Bollywood film Border.

After 95 hearings, the Ansals were convicted on 8 November 2021 in the evidence tampering case, receiving seven-year prison sentences and fines of Rs 2.5 crore each. However, the Principal District & Sessions Court released them considering the period already served in jail.

CMM Pankaj Sharma had convicted the Ansals and others under Sections 201 (tampering of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.