Supreme Court’s Inquiry Panel Launches Online Portal for Complaints on Police Brutality During July Protests

In a significant step towards addressing grievances related to police conduct during the youth protests in July, a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee has launched an online portal to facilitate the submission of complaints. This initiative, unveiled on Saturday, aims to provide a platform for individuals impacted by alleged police excesses and violence during the demonstrations.

The inquiry committee, which is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice R. Subhash Reddy, emphasizes that the portal will prioritize complaints related to the use of pellet guns, targeted violence, harassment of female protesters, and instances of excessive force and property destruction. The committee has assured that measures are in place to protect the identities of complainants, allowing them to remain anonymous if they choose.

This move comes in the wake of petitions presented to the Supreme Court, which alleged that law enforcement officials employed undue force against demonstrators who were marching towards Parliament on July 20. The protests, which were sparked by grievances over the management of various competitive examinations, began on June 6, 2023. Activists from the Cockroach Janta Party initiated the demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who eventually stepped down on July 25.

During the course of these protests, numerous participants reported injuries resulting from police measures, including the use of batons, tear gas, and pellet guns to disperse crowds. The inquiry committee is expected to thoroughly investigate these incidents, as well as assess medical reports concerning the injuries sustained by protesters.

The formation of this five-member committee by the Supreme Court underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding accountability and ensuring justice for those who feel victimized by the authorities. As the portal opens for submissions, it serves as an invitation for the affected individuals to voice their experiences, thus contributing to a transparent investigation into the alleged police excesses during a crucial moment of civic unrest.

Source: scroll.in