SC constitutes High-Powered Committee to probe police excesses during CJP-led July 20 protests
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court has set up a High-Powered Committee (HPC) led by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to investigate allegations of violence and police action during last month’s student protests over the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The committee will also look into claims that protesters used violence and will check whether the police response was legal and reasonable.
The panel includes former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice Shalinder Kaur, former CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla, and former Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi.
Violence broke out during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led “Sansad Chalo” march on July 20, the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. The protest initially remained peaceful but later turned violent after some students crossed police barricades. Police used lathi charges, tear gas and, in some cases, pellet guns to control the situation.
Several FIRs were filed at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations. Protesters were booked under serious charges, including attempted murder and damage to public property.
What will the committee investigate?
The Supreme Court has asked the committee to give priority to allegations of targeted violence, harassment and molestation of women protesters.
The panel will also investigate claims that protesters suffered serious injuries because of police and security personnel. It will examine who ordered the use of force, who was responsible and whether any laws or rules were violated.
The committee will specifically look into allegations of excessive use of force, including pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and tear gas, especially where protesters were allegedly not given proper warnings.
It will assess whether the police response to protests and peaceful gatherings was necessary and proportionate. The committee will also consider whether the use of metal pellets or other kinetic projectiles fired from pump-action or projectile guns should be banned.
The HPC will further check whether police and security personnel were wearing proper uniforms and clearly visible nameplates while making arrests or using force.
- With inputs from agencies
