New Delhi — The Supreme Court delivered a stern message on police conduct during public agitations on Tuesday, asserting that any investigation into police heavy-handedness is entirely futile unless individual officers are held directly accountable.
"Whoever has committed an excess, the law will take its course. A probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed," a bench observed, criticizing law enforcement for failing to follow established protocols during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student demonstrations on July 20. The clashes erupted in the national capital when protesters attempted to march from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament, prompting police to deploy tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Key Highlights of the Court's Directions:
SIT Formation Ahead: The Supreme Court indicated it is likely to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) next Monday, to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or former Chief Justice of India, to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry. Call for High-Powered Committee: The bench emphasized the urgent need for a high-powered panel to review alleged excesses by security forces and establish updated protocols for managing public protests.
Responses have been sought from the Central Government as well as seven key states—Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
