Supreme Court orders immediate release of arrested CJP protesters without criminal records
The court also said that no strict action should be taken for now on the FIRs filed against the protesters, giving them temporary relief.
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the release of all students who were arrested or detained during the recent protests, provided they do not have any previous criminal record.
The court also said that no strict action should be taken for now on the FIRs filed against the protesters, giving them temporary relief.
The order came while the court was hearing several petitions alleging police excesses during protests over exam irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. The court also directed authorities to protect the personal information and digital data of student protesters and not make it public at this stage.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court said the allegations presented before it appeared serious enough to require a fair and independent investigation.
The bench sought replies from the Central government and the governments of Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala. It also indicated that it may set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to ensure a transparent probe into the incidents.
The Chief Justice noted that the petitions included allegations of police using shock batons, causing pellet gun injuries, assaulting lawyers, police personnel in plain clothes using violence, and injuries suffered by a 19-year-old girl.
At the same time, the court also considered petitions filed on behalf of injured police personnel, saying that an independent investigation would determine responsibility wherever any excesses had taken place.