The Supreme Court of India announced on Tuesday its decision to establish a high-powered committee to investigate allegations of police excesses during the recent NEET protests by students in Delhi. This committee will comprise retired judges, a former Director General of Police (DGP), and an ex-Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alongside other distinguished members.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, stated that the official order to form this committee will take effect on Wednesday. This follows consultations to gather recommendations on potential additional members from various stakeholders.
In a concerted effort to ensure a thorough inquiry, the Supreme Court ordered the submission of all video footage and CCTV recordings related to the violence that erupted during the protest on July 20. The committee will scrutinize these materials closely.
Moreover, the panel is tasked with investigating reports of specific complaints from female protesters who allegedly faced targeted harassment during the demonstrations. The court underscored the importance of examining these allegations, highlighting the need to protect the rights of all individuals involved.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta received instructions to compile specific details regarding First Information Reports (FIRs) that have implicated student protesters. The court implied that it might invoke its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash unjust claims against the students.
“It is the life of students that is at risk. We must take this into account. They have a future ahead. They have the right to protest as enshrined in Article 19,” the bench stated, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the fundamental rights of student protesters.
In a notable revelation, Mehta informed the court that police have identified more than 2,800 individuals with alleged criminal backgrounds, whom they hold responsible for the violence during the NEET protests.
Earlier, on August 3, the Supreme Court clarified that the term “criminal antecedents” referenced in its previous orders applied strictly to those implicated in serious offenses. The court encouraged state authorities to consider dismissing FIRs against students not linked to such grave offenses. This clarification arose after the Centre indicated its desire to halt legal actions against students associated with the NEET protest, provided they did not possess criminal records.
The apex court had previously noted that police brutality, including the use of lathis, cannot be justified simply due to the presence of agitation, reinforcing that the right to peaceful assembly and protest is “absolutely guaranteed” under Indian law.
The July 20 protests, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, witnessed severe clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Police deployed lathis and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds as they marched toward Parliament.
