The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday announced the constitution of a high‑powered committee to investigate incidents of police excesses and violence against police personnel during the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)‑led protests over alleged NEET and exam paper leaks.
The committee will comprise a former Supreme Court judge, a former High Court chief justice, and a senior retired police officer, tasked with fact‑finding and submitting periodic reports. The Bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana assured that victims will have direct access to the panel and that its recommendations will guide further judicial directions.
The Court emphasised that the panel will also probe allegations of sexual assault, online harassment of female protestors, and victimisation of vulnerable groups. “Whosoever is responsible, there can be no excuse and no justification. It must be taken seriously and taken to its logical conclusion,” CJI Kant said.
While factual questions will be examined by the committee, the Bench clarified that constitutional issues concerning facial recognition, surveillance, and privacy will be decided by the Court itself.
The Court further indicated it may use its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to quash FIRs against student protestors, while cases involving individuals with serious criminal antecedents will be treated separately. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported quashing FIRs against students but noted that over 2,800 persons with criminal records had infiltrated the protests.
CJI Kant stressed the importance of safeguarding students’ futures, noting their parents’ sacrifices and legitimate expectations from the system. “So long as the object is peaceful protest under Article 19, those cases are distinguishable from hardened criminals indulging in violence,” he said.
