CJP protest: SC refuses reconstitution of panel to probe 'police excesses', says allegations mere conjecture
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
New Delhi, The Supreme Court has refused to reconstitute a five-member high-powered committee set up to examine alleged police excesses against student protesters in Delhi, underlining that allegations against the panel were conjectures and preconceived notions.
Adding to this, CJP protest: SC refuses reconstitution of panel to probe 'police excesses', says allegations mere conjecture A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana shared the committee has been constituted to assist it with the highest standards of fairness and transparency and with a dispassionate approach.
Meanwhile, The High-Powered Enquiry Committee is not created to espouse the causes of one or the other party before the court, the bench shared in the order dated September 10 that was uploaded online on Tuesday.
Notably, "We are not inclined to effect any alteration in the constitution of the Committee, particularly where the prayer for such reconstitution proceeds on nothing more than conjecture and preconceived notions, articulated even before the HPEC has embarked upon its enquiry," the bench shared.
As per the latest buzz, The top court asked the HPEC to proceed with its enquiry into issues pertaining to the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of female protesters, as well as the issue of excessive violence and destruction of property occasioned on either side.
In further updates, "With respect to the concerns voiced over the treatment of witnesses and of those who may wish to come forward before the HPEC to furnish their account and voice their grievances, we request the HPEC that such vulnerable witnesses be extended due protection and their identities be kept confidential and undisclosed," it shared.
On top of that, "It goes without saying that utmost confidentiality shall be maintained in respect of any statements given or evidence submitted by such vulnerable witnesses to the HPEC. In furtherance thereof, a separate online portal may be created to facilitate such witnesses and other requisite stakeholders to submit their documents and evidence," it added.
The bench directed that Senior Advocate Monika Gusain, along with advocate C Solomon, shall assist it as a representative of the HPEC, and shall further act as an independent arbiter between the parties.
Source: Hindustan Times