The Supreme Court heard the CJP protest case linked to the Jantar Mantar demonstration. The hearing took place on Tuesday, July 28. The court examined allegations regarding police action against protesting students. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the matter requires investigation. He also stressed that authorities must fix accountability.
The bench included CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. The court said action should follow against people who used violence.
It also highlighted the need for a fair inquiry into alleged police excesses against NEET protesting students.
Court Calls Demonstration Peaceful, Demands Independent Investigation
During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant said the protest remained completely peaceful. He noted that students raised certain demands within constitutional limits. According to the court, peaceful demonstrations often attract unwanted participants. Such people arrive with separate agendas and become part of the protest.
Students argued that authorities treated them unfairly despite their constitutional rights. The court said violations of rules require legal action.
Lawyers Present Allegations Of Police Excesses
Senior advocate Gopal Shankaranarayanan said the matter involved protests across several states. He mentioned incidents from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur, and Bihar. The lawyer highlighted allegations involving pellet guns, electric batons, and other actions. He said a 19-year-old boy lost eyesight due to pellet gun use.
The court also discussed allegations involving a woman’s ICU admission. It mentioned injuries caused by sticks with nails.
Additionally, the court heard about an alleged attack on a media person. It also discussed claims involving plainclothes police personnel.
Another allegation involved a police officer slapping a woman without provocation.
CJI Says Investigation Must Remain Independent
Gopal Shankaranarayanan said police must follow protocols during crowd control situations. He mentioned announcements before using water cannons or other measures. He also said tear gas should remain a later step. CJI Surya Kant responded that stakeholders must provide constructive suggestions. The Chief Justice said changing situations require updated protocols. He added that authorities must examine tear gas usage methods.
Furthermore, CJI said democracy allows protests. However, people cannot take law into their hands.
Court Discusses SIT, Evidence And Future Guidelines
Gopal claimed an ASI broke car windows and said videos showed the incident. He demanded responsibility from senior officials. CJI Surya Kant said investigations must remain independent. He added that law will act against anyone responsible. The court said investigations require accountability. Otherwise, the process would lose its purpose. Lawyers suggested a SIT led by a former judge. They argued that only such a step would create confidence.
CJI said the court would later decide the investigation team. He called for a scientific, transparent, and unbiased inquiry.
Court Reviews Protest Protocols And Pending Issues
The court said existing legal principles need consolidation. It discussed whether earlier guidelines remain relevant in 2026. CJI suggested creating a system for immediate protocol implementation. He said such steps can prevent future issues. The hearing also covered digital data concerns of protesters. Lawyers raised issues involving detained minors and FIR-related matters.
They said Bihar authorities planned FIR withdrawals, but over 150 minors remained detained. Lawyers demanded their immediate release.
The court observed that all issues would eventually require review before a committee, commission, or SIT.
