Supreme Court Establishes Committee to Investigate Police Actions During Youth Protests

The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps to address the alleged police misconduct that occurred during youth protests last month, forming a five-member inquiry committee to scrutinize the situation. This decision comes after numerous reports highlighted excessive use of force by law enforcement against demonstrators who were peacefully marching towards Parliament in Delhi on July 20.

Led by Justice R. Subhash Reddy, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, the committee also includes notable figures such as former Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Ravi Shankar Jha; former Delhi High Court Justice, Shalinder Kaur; former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, Rishi Kumar Shukla; and former Meghalaya Police Chief, LR Bishnoi. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, announced this order amid ongoing petitions that highlighted alleged police brutality against protesters.

During the protests, demonstrators faced severe injuries as security forces reportedly employed batons, tear gas, and pellet guns to disperse crowds. Eyewitness accounts and video footage have stirred public outrage, leading to calls for accountability. Additionally, the petitions drew attention to similar incidents in Bihar, where police allegedly used excessive force against protesters expressing solidarity with the demonstrations in Delhi.

The Supreme Court’s directive mandates the committee to assess suggestions made by both the petitioners and the Union government. Among the key proposals is an examination of the protocols governing police engagement with protesters and an analysis of whether appropriate measures were in place to handle the situation without resorting to violence.

This inquiry comes at a critical time when youth activism is gaining momentum in India. The recent protests have underscored the increasing frustrations among young people regarding various social and political issues. The court’s decision to form this committee reflects its commitment to ensuring justice and upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest.

Source: scroll.in