‘Protests are bound to happen’: SC on recent protests over NEET irregularities

New Delhi: The n Tuesday said that agitations are bound to happen and once the protocol on protest and police action put in place, those found guilty in taking law in own’s hand and whoever found committed atrocities must be brought to book.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while hearing a case related to paper leak protests and violence. The case was related to allegations related to grievous injuries, assault on women, advocates and media persons. “Why should there not be an independent probe into these allegations?” the CJI said in a remark.

All students taken in custody must be released: SC

The SC bench said that it would order the constitution of a high powered committee which will probe the incidents of violence in Delhi and other states, news agency ANI reported. The top court also said that all students taken in the custody during the recent protests across the country must be released. It added that all related cases would be heard simultaneously

However, the bench also noted that police might contend that even peaceful protests too at times might lead to infiltration by unsocial elements, which might result in violence. “Allegations of police excesses make out case for fair and independent probe,” the bench said as per PTI.

‘Proposed protocol on protests and crowd-control steps need changes’

The CJI further noted that the proposed protocol on protests and crowd-control steps would need changes as things are not happening in the conventional manner. He noted that the issue is required to be addressed. CJI Surya Kant further ordered setting out a SIT in order to ensure fair, transparent and thorough probe into all incidents.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented that government, noted that while students would not indulge in violence against police personnel, but some ‘miscreants’ are involved in the violence . “Miscreants involved in murder, rape and NDPS cases entered students protest, committed violence on police personnel” he told the bench. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, meanwhile, referred to pellet injuries to some protesters during student protests. She urges SC to issue directions on these incidents.

Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court bench noted that protest cannot justify “police excesses” or a ‘lathi charge’. It added that the right to hold peaceful protest is guaranteed. On July 20, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march in Delhi led to clashes between protesters and security personnel. The personnel used lathis and teargas shells to dispersethe mob trying to to move towards the Parliament.