CJP protests: SC considers independent inquiry into all allegations of police excesses against protesting students | Today’s news
India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday said an independent inquiry into allegations of police excesses during the recent student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak must be conducted. It also said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be constituted to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into all incidents of violence during the recent protests.
The Supreme Court observed that “in a democracy there must be agitations” and that once a uniform protocol is in place and police action is in place, “whoever has committed excesses and taken the law into his hands and whoever has committed atrocities must be brought under the law”.
A panel headed by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant, hearing a pile of pleas alleging police excesses against protesting students across the country, made the announcement.
The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, also asked why an independent inquiry should not be conducted into the allegations leveled against the police.
“Whoever has committed excesses, taken the law into their own hands, should be brought to book,” the CJI said.
The court also said that an investigation was needed to establish whether the alleged attacks on 250 police officials were perpetrated by students or other “miscreants”.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed that the students would not indulge in violence against the police officials and said that some other miscreants were also involved in the incidents.
The bench on Monday said the agitation could not justify “police excesses” or “lathi charges”. It insisted that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful protest.
At the Cockroach Janta Party’s Sansad Chalo march on 20 July, there were clashes between security personnel and protesters. Both the police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were seen using lathis and teargas shells to disperse the crowds that were moving towards Parliament.
The SC ordered the release of protesters under the age of 18 without a criminal record
The Supreme Court also ordered the release of all protesters under the age of 18 who do not have a criminal record on Tuesday.
He also ordered the authorities to preserve their electronic and digital evidence collected in connection with the nationwide protests.
While the court prevented authorities from taking enforcement action against student protesters, it made clear that this protection would not be extended to those with criminal records.
Center promised no action against protesters: CJP
The CJP released a video late on Monday night after meeting with central government officials in which their spokesperson Saurav Das said the Center had promised them that no action would be taken against the protesters who were part of the agitation.
He also produced two press releases from the governments of Bihar and Assam, which said they would not take legal action against those involved in the protests.
