In a big decision, the Delhi government on Thursday decided that no adverse legal action will be taken against people who participated in the protest that took place at Delhi’s . As per the order, the protection will not apply to persons with criminal antecedents, in line with the Supreme Court’s directions.
If any protesters have already been arrested or detained, their cases will be reviewed, and the process of releasing them will be undertaken expeditiously, the order reads.
In addition to this, the Delhi government has said it does not intend to take any further adverse action against those involved in the protests, and the matter will be treated as closed with no future proceedings on this account. The order was issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
“No adverse legal action will be taken by any of the Police authorities within NCT of Delhi against those persons who have been involved in these protests. The protection, however, shall not extend to persons having criminal antecedents, as mandated in the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court mentioned above,” the statement said.
According to a press release issued by the Delhi government’s Home Department, a total of 13 cases were registered by Delhi Police in connection with the demonstrations held in the national capital.
Government of NCT of Delhi does not propose to take any further adverse action against the individuals involved in the protests, and the matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account.
‘Graded Response May Be Needed’: SC On Pellet Guns Use
Meanwhile, the on Thursday (July 30) asked the government to place on record all relevant standing orders of the police on the use of pellet guns for it to examine them. The top court, while hearing a petition seeking a complete ban on the use of pellet guns on civilians, also directed the Delhi Police to preserve all duty logs and weapon and ammunition logs.
It was alleged that the Delhi Police used pellet guns on protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP’s) July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant questioned petitioners over the blanket ban on the use of pellet guns and noted that there should not be any violence against people expressing dissatisfaction. However, the SC bench observed that a graded response by the police is required in some cases.