New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would constitute a high-powered committee comprising retired judges, a former DGP, an ex-CBI director and others to examine allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi.
Supreme Court Orders Review of July 20 Protest Violence
The Supreme Court has ordered the release of video footage and CCTV recordings from the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi, directing that this material be examined by a high-powered committee. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to provide details about FIRs against student protesters, which the court is considering quashing under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Mehta reported that police have identified over 2,800 individuals with past criminal records as responsible for the violence during the protest. On August 3, the court clarified that the term “criminal antecedents” pertains only to those involved in serious crimes, allowing states to dismiss or withdraw FIRs against other students as deemed appropriate.
The court emphasized that police actions, including any excessive force, cannot be justified in response to protests, reaffirming the right to peaceful demonstration as a fundamental guarantee.
