The Supreme Court of India is all set to hear a batch of pleas alleging police brutality during the recent protests-led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leaks on Monday.
The pleas will be heard by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
The court may constitute an SIT headed by a former Supreme Court judge for a probe into the allegations made by protestors, pellet gun victims and to ascertain whether the attacks on policemen were carried out by students or some “miscreants”.
During the , the court had observed that a fair and independent probe in the matter was required and whosoever committed excesses, took law into their hands should be taken to task.
Release Minors, May Continue Probe: What SC Said in Last Hearing
The Apex Court had also restrained states from taking any coercive action against protesters and directed them to release those under 18 on the condition that none should have any criminal antecedents.
“All states are hereby instructed to release children under the age of 18, who have been reported to be arrested or detained in connection with the ongoing protests and who do not possess any criminal antecedents,” it said.
The top court had directed that Delhi government and other states may proceed with the investigation of the FIRs registered but no coercive measures shall be taken against the protesting students.
In the interest of justice an opportunity was given to the Centre and the states concerned to place their versions on record before it considers constituting an independent committee or a Special Investigation Team (SIT), as it issued notices to Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala and asked their advocates general to appear online on the next date of hearing.
“Be that as it may, the allegations made by the petitioners, prima facie, establish a compelling case for an independent and impartial investigation into the incidents of violence. Such an investigation will adequately address the allegations presented by the family members of the police personnel, as well as the issues raised by the Solicitor General of India,” it had said on July 28.