The Supreme Court of India announced it will hear a series of petitions on Tuesday regarding alleged police violence against students protesting nationwide examination irregularities, asserting that public demonstrations do not justify excessive police force.
Supreme Court Affirms Right to Peaceful Protest
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, stated that the right to peaceful protest remains an absolute guarantee. Addressing the court, Chief Justice Kant noted that while self-evolved discipline is essential to democratic processes, law enforcement must not resort to lathi charges or excessive measures merely because an agitation is occurring. The bench highlighted the necessity of a uniform national protocol to manage public gatherings properly while addressing potential disruptions by anti-social elements.
Court to Consider Police Family Petitions and Allegations
The top court also agreed to hear a related plea filed by family members of police personnel injured during the demonstrations, emphasizing that the protection of human life applies equally to everyone. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, informed the court that he would assist the proceedings dispassionately. During the hearing, legal advocates presented accounts of severe police action in Bihar, including claims that law enforcement used assault weapons against student demonstrators.
Background of Nationwide NEET Agitations
The judicial hearings follow weeks of widespread student protests over paper leaks associated with the NEET examinations. On July 20, a march toward Parliament organized by the Cockroach Janta Party led to clashes with security personnel, who used teargas and batons to disperse the crowds.
Protesters had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The 36-day protest movement was officially called off on Saturday after Pradhan stepped down from his post and the government accepted the demonstrators’ remaining demands. Pradhan publicly noted that recent developments had saddened him deeply and that the situation was not a matter of personal prestige. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court had earlier ordered authorities and Delhi Police to preserve all video recordings and CCTV footage related to the July 20 clashes.
