The Supreme Court has refused to reform the committee established to probe accusations of police excesses during youth protests in July, stating that criticisms against the panel were raised prematurely and without due consideration.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court declined a request to reconsider the formation of an enquiry committee it had established on August 18. The bench, led by unspecified justices, stated that accusations against the committee were premature and lacking in deliberation. This decision follows petitions filed on August 18, which alleged that the police resorted to disproportionate force during protests marching towards Parliament in Delhi on July 20.
The panel, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, includes former judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Delhi High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Meghalaya police chief. The committee was tasked with examining suggestions made by both petitioners and respondents, including allegations of excessive force, sexual harassment against female protesters, improper uniforms worn by law enforcement officials, and the use of prohibitory orders to halt peaceful protests.
The court has asked the committee to prioritize investigating incidents of targeted violence and sexual harassment against women protesters. Respondents have countered with allegations of violence and property damage by protesters during demonstrations.
During the July protests, several demonstrators were injured after security personnel used lathis, fired tear gas, and pellet guns to disperse the crowd. The petitioners in the original matter also pointed out instances of the police in Bihar using allegedly excessive force against protesters who were demonstrating in solidarity with the youth agitation in Delhi.
The court ordered the committee to examine the suggestions made by the petitioners as well as the respondents, which includes the Union government. The original petitions suggested that the panel should investigate the use of allegedly 'excessive and disproportionate' force by the police, including lathi-charge, tear gas, pellet guns, and electric batons, and 'monitoring and surveillance' of demonstrators.
The petitioners also urged the committee to look into alleged cases of 'targeted violence, harassment, and molestation' of female protesters. They further called for the panel to ensure that the police and security personnel wear proper uniforms and visible nameplates while carrying out arrests or while using force, and preventing the routine use of orders prohibiting public gatherings to stop peaceful protests.
Source:
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