The Supreme Court called for an independent, fair and transparent probe into allegations of excessive force during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-linked student protests over NEET-UG irregularities, saying
that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must face the law.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and J V Mohana, was hearing petitions seeking action against police personnel and CAPF officials over alleged use of force during protests held in Delhi and other parts of the country.
“Whoever has committed excess, law will take its course. Probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed,” the Chief Justice said during the hearing.
The court also questioned why there should not be an independent investigation into allegations of police excesses during the demonstrations.
“These require a thorough probe. No doubt. That probe should be independent, fair, transparent,” the CJI said, adding that details regarding the composition of the probe panel would be shared later.
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The Supreme Court observed that the protests were a part of the constitutional right to demonstrate while also stressing that violations of law could not be ignored.
“We don’t think elaborate arguments are required… It was completely a peaceful protest by students raising some demand. It was within constitutional framework,” the Chief Justice said.
During the hearing, lawyers appearing for protesters alleged several instances of excessive force, including claims of pellet gun use, electric batons, lathi-charge and assaults by police personnel in civilian clothes. The court was also informed about allegations involving minors detained during the protests. One petition filed by Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha referred to an incident in Siwan, Bihar, alleging the use of an AK-47 by a police officer against a protester.
The bench discussed the need to revisit existing protocols governing police action during protests, with the CJI observing that earlier guidelines may need to be examined in light of changing circumstances.
“Agitations are bound to be there in a democracy,” the Chief Justice said, while calling for constructive suggestions from all stakeholders.
Read more:Assam, Bihar Withdraw Cases Against NEET Protesters After CJP Threatens To Resume Agitation
The hearing comes days after the CJP-led student movement ended its 37-day protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar following talks with government representatives. The group had called off the agitation after receiving assurances on key demands, including withdrawal of cases against protesters, release of detained students and compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
