SC draws line on panel’s powers, says only court can order FIRs in protest cases
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
The Supreme Court on Thursday made it clear that its five-member high-powered enquiry committee (HPEC) cannot order registration of FIRs in connection with the July protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saying the power to direct criminal investigations rests exclusively with the court.
Adding to this, The court shared the committee would examine the allegations, identify victims and make recommendations. (HT PHOTO) A bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, shared the committee would examine the allegations, identify victims and make recommendations, but any decision to order a criminal investigation would have to be taken by the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, The clarification came as the bench agreed to expedite the proceedings before the committee and shared it would “iron out” any creases that emerge in the course of its functioning. “The committee has to work under the direct supervision of this court,” shared the bench, adding that the HPEC could appoint its own amicus or lawyer to assist it before the Supreme Court.
Notably, It also permitted the committee to give wide publicity to its proceedings, invite suggestions and objections, and create a dedicated mechanism, including a helpline, for vulnerable witnesses who may be unable to approach it directly.
As per the latest buzz, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Delhi Police, told the court that the committee’s first meeting had been scheduled for September 15.
In further updates, The court’s clarification assumes significance because it had, on September 1, used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to bring to an end criminal proceedings arising from the protests. It ordered that FIRs registered between July 20 and 25 in connection with the protests would not be pursued or investigated and would be treated as closed, while directing that no fresh FIRs be registered in relation to those incidents.
On top of that, The HPEC, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, was constituted to independently examine competing allegations arising from the July 20 student protest, including allegations of excessive use of force by police as well as violence against security personnel and damage to public property.
The committee has been authorised to receive documentary evidence, representations and even anonymous complaints to protect witnesses. The court on Thursday rejected suggestions that its composition be changed, saying it had constituted the panel and would not reconstitute it even before it had begun its work.
Source: Hindustan Times