The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions on Monday against alleged police excesses during the protests by the Central Joint Protest Committee (CJP) over the NEET paper leak. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant had on July 24 agreed to list the matter for urgent hearing on July 27 after it was mentioned by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan.
Urgent Listing Granted
During the mention on Friday, Sankaranarayanan highlighted the ongoing nature of the incidents, stating, "There is urgency because this is happening on a daily basis. Police are using excessive force against children. It is just going on unabated. Some controls are necessary. The court stands between us and the police." The bench then scheduled the hearing for Monday.
CJI Clarifies Misreporting
Chief Justice Surya Kant had earlier taken strong exception to media reports claiming he refused to list a petition against police brutality on CJP protesters for urgent hearing on July 22. Clarifying that no petition had been filed, only a representation, the CJI dismissed the reports as "completely false" and "reckless."
Petition Seeks FIR Against Police
One of the petitions filed in the top court seeks registration of FIRs against Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel for alleged use of excessive force against students during the CJP protests at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The protests, which lasted 36 days, were called off on July 25 after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted other demands of the CJP.
Background of the Protests
The CJP, a coalition of student organizations, launched the agitation demanding action against those responsible for the NEET paper leak and better security for examination processes. The protests saw large gatherings at Jantar Mantar, leading to confrontations with police. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing is expected to address allegations of excessive force and seek accountability.
