NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is set to address the severe allegations of state-sponsored violence that marred the recent student-led demonstrations in the national capital.
On Tuesday, July 28, a Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant will hear multiple petitions regarding the nationwide protests over examination paper leaks and the alleged police excesses during the July 20 Parliament march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Supreme Court Says Right To Protest Must Be Protected
During proceedings on Monday, the Chief Justice firmly stated that the constitutional right to peaceful protest is guaranteed and must be protected. The apex court indicated that it is considering framing uniform guidelines to regulate police conduct during large-scale demonstrations, emphasizing that “mere agitation cannot justify police excess”. The Bench also stressed the need for “self-evolved discipline” from both protesters and law enforcement.
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The court has already taken proactive steps, ordering police authorities to release any minors or students without prior criminal records who were detained during the protests. Furthermore, the Bench directed the police to preserve all CCTV, drone, and camera recordings related to the demonstrations as a measure of “abundant precaution”.