Supreme Court forms High-Powered Enquiry Committee to investigate violence during student protests

The Supreme Court has established a High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) to investigate violence during student protests across the country. The committee, headed by retired Justice R. Subhash Reddy, will examine issues such as excessive force used by police, the deployment of harmful weapons like pellet guns and electric batons, and the need for proportionate police responses during peaceful assemblies.

The petitioners have raised concerns about police monitoring of protestors, targeted violence against female protestors, and the need for medical support and compensation for victims. The HPEC is also tasked with regulating the use of prohibitory orders and ensuring strict constitutional thresholds to prevent stifling political dissent. The committee's findings will be submitted periodically for the court's review.