- The Delhi Police defended its personnel in plain clothes during the July 20 Sansad Chalo protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), telling the Supreme Court that they were strategically merged with the crowd due to the urgency of the situation.
- The police claimed that about 5,000 police personnel were deployed to manage more than 30,000 protesters spread across nearly three kilometres.
- The police defended its use of force against student protesters during the protest march, stating that it resorted to a graded response only after the gathering ceased to remain peaceful.
- The ensuing confrontation left more than 240 police and uniformed personnel and around 200 protesters/public persons injured.
- The affidavit contends that the gathering assumed the character of an unlawful assembly and that the attempt to proceed towards Parliament was itself unlawful.
Delhi Police submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court regarding the July 20 protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), defending the deployment of plainclothes personnel as necessary for crowd control. The police stated that 5,000 officers were tasked with managing over 30,000 protesters across nearly three kilometers.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, these officers were “spotters” from various branches, including the Special Branch and Crime Branch. The police argued that such deployments are standard during large public gatherings, including events like Republic Day.
The affidavit contended that the protest turned into an unlawful assembly as sections of the crowd attempted to breach barricades and move towards Parliament. The police reported that the confrontation resulted in injuries to over 240 police personnel and around 200 protesters.
In response to allegations of excessive force, the police maintained that their actions were a “graded” response to the situation, asserting that claims of excessive force were unsustainable given the circumstances. They also challenged the credibility of media reports and social media clips, labeling them as selective and incomplete.
On the issue of police lathis allegedly fitted with nails, the affidavit stated that only one instance was noted, claiming it was held by a protester, not an officer. The police further clarified that the object was a stick carrying the National Flag, disputing its characterization as a weapon.
Additionally, the police revealed that 2,873 individuals at the protest had criminal cases against them, including serious charges like murder and rape.
“The affidavit states that the police's use of force was a 'graded' response after the protest turned violent, injuring over 240 police and 200 protesters. Additionally, the police claimed that 2,873 individuals at the protest site had criminal cases registered against them, including serious offenses like murder and rape.”
