New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would constitute a high-powered committee to examine allegations of police excesses against student protesters during a recent NEET protest in Delhi, as well as allegations of violence against police personnel.
The committee is expected to comprise retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, a former Director General of Police (DGP) and a former CBI director.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said the court would consider invoking its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs where there is no dispute or doubt and where the cases clearly involve students.
The bench emphasised that the constitutional rights of students under Article 19 must be respected. It observed that the right to peacefully protest and express dissent is an important constitutional right that must be protected.
The court’s observations came while hearing matters concerning allegations arising from the recent protests in Delhi. The proposed committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged police excesses as well as incidents of violence involving police personnel.
The Supreme Court stressed the need to balance the maintenance of law and order with protection of students’ fundamental rights to peaceful protest and expression.
