New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday called for an independent, fair and transparent investigation into allegations of excessive force during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) linked protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination, stating that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must face legal consequences.
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 Central Armed Police Forces officials over the alleged use of force during demonstrations held in Delhi and other parts of the country.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice said that fixing accountability was essential, observing that an investigation would serve little purpose if responsibility was not established. The bench also questioned why there should not be an independent inquiry into allegations of police excesses, adding that the composition of the proposed probe panel would be announced at a later stage.
The court observed that the student demonstrations fell within the constitutional right to peaceful protest while making it clear that any violation of the law, by any party, could not be overlooked. The bench described the agitation as a peaceful movement by students raising legitimate demands within the constitutional framework.
Lawyers representing the protesters alleged multiple instances of excessive force, including the reported use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and assaults by police personnel in civilian clothes. The court was also informed of allegations involving the detention of minors during the protests. One petition further referred to an incident in Bihar’s Siwan district, alleging that a police officer used an AK 47 rifle against a protester.
The bench also discussed the need to revisit existing guidelines governing police action during public demonstrations, with the Chief Justice noting that protocols may require review in light of changing circumstances. He emphasised that protests are an integral part of a democratic society and invited constructive suggestions from all stakeholders.
The hearing comes days after the CJP led student movement ended its 37 day protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar following discussions with the government. The protest concluded after assurances were given on key demands, including the withdrawal of cases against protesters, the release of detained students and compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
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