NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India announced on Tuesday that it will establish an independent, high-powered committee featuring retired judges, a former Director General of Police (DGP), and a past CBI director to conduct a thorough inquiry into alleged police brutality during recent student demonstrations.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, noted that the official composition order will be issued on Wednesday following feedback from all parties. The panel will be granted full access to all CCTV recordings and video evidence from the July 20 protest march to Parliament, while also reviewing specific grievances submitted by women protesters.
Key Judicial Directives & Court Observations
-
Committee Structure: To be led by a former CBI director, alongside retired judicial officers and a former state police chief.
-
Evidence Handover: Security agencies must produce all visual and CCTV documentation from the July 20 clashes for panel review.
-
Protection of Student Rights: The bench signaled intent to exercise plenary powers under Article 142 to quash non-heinous FIRs against students, emphasizing their fundamental right to peaceful assembly under Article 19.
-
Government Submission: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that law enforcement identified over 2,800 individuals with prior criminal antecedents involved in the violence, confirming that FIRs against regular student participants could be withdrawn.
-
Protest Backdrop: The July 20 march toward Parliament, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over examination paper leaks, escalated into clashes after security forces deployed teargas and lathi-charges.
