The Supreme Court has announced its decision to establish a high-powered committee to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi and violence against police personnel during a recent protest. The committee will comprise retired apex court and high court judges, a former Director General of Police (DGP), and an ex-Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that the court will consider utilizing its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash First Information Reports (FIRs) where there is no controversy or doubt and that clearly involve students. The bench emphasized the importance of protecting the right to protest or express dissent peacefully, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.
The high-powered committee will be entrusted with the task of fact-finding and will be provided with all necessary facilities. The court expressed its confidence in the committee’s ability to give an immediate voice and audience to any victim who approaches it. The committee’s recommendations will be awaited, and necessary legal consequences will follow.
The committee will also investigate allegations of sexual assault and online harassment of female protesters and victimization of other vulnerable persons through social media. Chief Justice Kant stressed that those responsible for such actions must be held accountable, and the committee will examine each and every aspect of these matters.
Additionally, the committee will examine complaints and allegations made by female protesters who were reportedly targeted during the protest march in Delhi and other areas. The top court will direct the handing over of video footage and CCTV recordings of the violence during the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi to the high-powered committee for examination.
The bench was hearing a batch of pleas alleging police excesses against student protesters during the agitation spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and allegations of violence against police personnel.
