New Delhi: The Supreme Court has constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to investigate allegations of violence and police excesses during last month’s
student protests against the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, will also examine allegations of violence involving protesters and determine whether the force used by police and security personnel was lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Other members of the committee are former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice Shalinder Kaur, former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Rishi Kumar Shukla and former Meghalaya Director General of Police LR Bishnoi.
The Supreme Court said the panel had been formed after considering the experience, expertise and diversity of its members. It expressed confidence that the committee’s recommendations would help the court comprehensively assess the issues surrounding the protests. The court also clarified that the inquiry would not be a one-time exercise. The committee will continuously and periodically assess the situation and submit interim findings, allowing the court to issue directions or take other appropriate measures when necessary.
Alleged violence against women to be prioritised
The Supreme Court directed the panel to prioritise allegations of targeted violence, harassment and molestation involving female protesters because of the sensitive nature of the claims. The committee will investigate reports of protesters suffering grievous injuries allegedly at the hands of police and security personnel. It will also examine the chain of command, identify those responsible and determine whether any laws, regulations or established norms were violated.
Allegations involving the use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and tear gas without adequate warning or proportionality will also come under scrutiny.
Police conduct and surveillance under scrutiny
The committee will determine whether the police response to the protests and peaceful assemblies was measured and proportionate. It will also consider whether metallic kinetic projectiles or pellets fired from pump-action or projectile-action guns should be prohibited.
The panel will examine whether police and security personnel wore prescribed uniforms and displayed visible nameplates while arresting protesters or using force. Police surveillance and monitoring of protesters will also be reviewed to determine whether such measures complied with the constitutional rights to privacy and peaceful assembly.
The committee will additionally consider the payment of interim compensation to those injured during the protests, including protesters and police personnel.
