The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a batch of pleas alleging that Delhi Police personnel subjected student protesters to physical violence and gender-based excesses during a demonstration on July 20. The protest was against an alleged paper leak in a competitive examination.
Mentioning Before the Bench
Senior advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Shyam Divan mentioned the matter urgently before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. They submitted that the students had gathered peacefully to demand a fair investigation into the paper leak, but were met with disproportionate force by law enforcement authorities. The lawyers specifically cited instances of alleged physical assault and inappropriate behaviour targeting female protesters.
Nature of Allegations
According to the petitioners, several students sustained injuries during the police action, and some were detained without proper procedure. The pleas also highlight gender-based misconduct, including allegations of verbal abuse and unwarranted searches. The advocates argued that the police response violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Court’s Response
The Chief Justice assured the lawyers that the matter would be listed for hearing shortly. The bench did not issue any immediate orders but noted the seriousness of the accusations. The Supreme Court’s willingness to hear the pleas comes amid growing public concern over the treatment of student activists in the national capital.
Background of the Protest
The July 20 protest was part of a series of demonstrations by students across several states following the revelation of a major paper leak in a high-stakes entrance exam. Thousands of candidates had taken to the streets demanding accountability and a re-examination. The Delhi Police had earlier issued warnings against unauthorised gatherings, but the students proceeded with a march towards the Central Secretariat.
Impact and Next Steps
The case is expected to be heard next week, with the court likely to seek a response from the Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Legal experts suggest the outcome could set a precedent for how law enforcement agencies handle student protests in the future. The petitioners have also sought compensation for the injured and a independent inquiry into the allegations of police excesses.
