- SC moots independent probe into police excesses and ordered the release of detained minors during the protests.
- Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted that the Delhi Police had used disproportionate force during the July 20 Parliament march.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that he had no objection to the constitution of an independent inquiry panel.
- The top court also underlined the need for a uniform protocol to regulate police conduct during large-scale demonstrations, observing that the existing guidelines had become outdated with the passage of time and required revision.
The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps regarding police conduct during recent student protests, ordering the immediate release of all minors detained and proposing an independent investigation into allegations of police excesses.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted that the Delhi Police had used disproportionate force during the protests, particularly during the July 20 Parliament march.2
The court emphasized the need for a uniform protocol to regulate police actions during large-scale demonstrations, noting that existing guidelines are outdated.
The proposed investigation will also address complaints from families of police personnel allegedly injured during the protests.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed no objection to the formation of an independent inquiry panel, indicating a willingness to cooperate with the court's directives.3
Additionally, the court has mandated the preservation of all relevant CCTV footage, drone footage, and body-worn camera recordings as a precautionary measure.
These developments reflect the court's commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting the rights of protesters while addressing the concerns of law enforcement personnel.
“The top court emphasized the need for a uniform protocol to regulate police conduct during large-scale demonstrations, noting that existing guidelines are outdated. Additionally, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed no objection to forming an independent inquiry panel to investigate complaints from families of injured police personnel.”
