The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined urgent hearing on a plea challenging the alleged police brutality against students during Sansad Chalo protest. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant refused the plea for immediate listing, observing that the court did not have time to watch videos. The apex court asked the petitioner not to waste the court’s time.
The remarks came a day after Delhi Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ march towards Parliament.
During the proceedings, a lawyer mentioned the alleged police brutality against student protesters and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.
The petitioner sought an independent judicial inquiry into the police action, registration of FIRs against the officials concerned and action over the alleged violation of fundamental rights during what was described as a peaceful protest.
The plea argued that Delhi Police had failed to comply with constitutional protections governing peaceful assemblies and sought the constitution of an independent judicial inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court Bench.
It also requested directions for the registration of FIRs against officials allegedly responsible for the police action.
According to the petitioner, the relief sought was intended to safeguard constitutional freedoms rather than address the grievances of any individual protester.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court also declined to urgently hear a petition challenging the alleged use of excessive force by Delhi Police during the protest.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya told the petitioner, “Don’t drag the court into all this,” while listing the matter for hearing on Wednesday.
The petition states that activist Sonam Wangchuk and several students had been holding an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 over issues relating to the education system and the alleged NEET paper leak.
It alleges that police entered the protest site on the 21st day of the fast, removed protesters, detained several participants against their wishes and used excessive force while clearing the area.
The petition further claims that the police action had a chilling effect on democratic dissent and peaceful assembly, raising important constitutional questions regarding the limits of police powers.