Supreme Court Questions Police Lathicharge on Delhi Students

The Supreme Court questioned the police action against students during protests held in Delhi on July 20, observing that citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant said protests should not become a reason for authorities to use excessive force and stressed the need for uniform guidelines governing peaceful demonstrations and police response. The observations came while the court was hearing petitions challenging the police action. The petitioners sought an independent investigation, preservation of CCTV footage and body-camera recordings, and compensation for protesters who were injured.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, meanwhile, expressed concern over violent elements infiltrating protests and attacking police personnel, observing that authorities should have adequate powers to act against those resorting to violence. The bench stressed the importance of protecting every life and urged protesters to maintain discipline and avoid violence. The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday. In a separate matter concerning pleas to conduct NEET online, the court referred to a high-level task force led by Nandan Nilekani and said it would consider the committee’s recommendations on preventing question-paper leaks and improving the examination system.