Retired judges, ex-top cops on SC panel to probe NEET stir police action, violence
Retired judges, ex-top cops on SC panel to probe NEET stir police action, violence
M.U.H
20/08/202634
The Supreme Court has constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC), headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to examine allegations of violence and police excesses during last month’s student protests against the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and in other parts of the country. The panel will also probe alleged violence by protesters and assess whether the use of force was lawful and proportionate.
The committee comprises 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.
Widespread violence was reported during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led "Sansad Chalo" march on July 20, which coincided with the first day of the Monsoon Session. What began as a peaceful protest turned into a battleground, with students breaking through barricades and police resorting to lathi charges, tear gas and, in some instances, pellet guns to quell the protests.
Several FIRs were registered at the Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations in connection with the violence, with several protesters booked on charges including attempted murder and damage to public property.
The Supreme Court said the panel was constituted keeping in mind the expertise, experience and diversity of its members, and expressed confidence that its recommendations would assist the court in comprehensively assessing the issues.
Importantly, the court clarified that the HPC's inquiry will not be a one-time exercise. It will conduct a continuous and periodic assessment of the issues and submit interim findings to the court, enabling it to take appropriate measures and issue directions, if required.
WHAT WILL THE HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE PROBE?
The Supreme Court has asked the committee to prioritise allegations of targeted violence, harassment and molestation of female protesters, given the sensitivity of the issue.
The panel will also examine allegations of grievous injuries and harm caused to protesters by police and security personnel, including the chain of command that led to such actions, those responsible and whether existing laws, rules or norms were breached while using force.
Among the specific issues before the committee are allegations of excessive force against protesters, including the use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and tear gas without adequate warning or proportionality.
It will assess whether police responses during protests, public gatherings and peaceful assemblies were proportionate and measured, and examine the desirability of banning metallic kinetic projectiles or pellets fired from pump-action or projectile-action guns.
The HPC will also examine whether police and security personnel wore proper uniforms and visible nameplates while making arrests or using force.
Another area of scrutiny will be police monitoring and surveillance of protesters, including whether such measures complied with constitutional rights to privacy and peaceful assembly.
The committee will additionally consider interim compensation for those injured on either side, including both police personnel and protesters.
