‘High-powered committee to probe alleged Delhi Police excesses’: SC on Jantar Mantar protests

The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will establish a high-powered committee to investigate allegations of police misconduct during recent student protests in Delhi. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, plans to issue an order on Wednesday after receiving suggestions from the parties regarding additional members for the panel.

The committee will be tasked with examining video footage and CCTV recordings related to the violence that occurred during the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi. Furthermore, the panel will investigate complaints and allegations made by female protesters who were reportedly targeted during the march and in other areas. The bench emphasized the importance of students' rights to protest and the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19 of the Constitution.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, was asked to provide details of any cases that could be quashed, highlighting the court's potential use of Article 142 powers to exercise plenary jurisdiction. On August 3, the Supreme Court clarified that the term "criminal antecedents" in its earlier order on releasing student protesters only applied to those involved in serious and heinous offenses.