Jantar Mantar July protests: Supreme Court asks enquiry panel to submit reports in a month on police crackdown, alleged brutality
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the high-powered enquiry committee (HPEC), examining complaints of police excesses and violence during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) -led July protests at Jantar Mantar, to submit its fact-finding reports within a month, after the panel informed the court that its complaints portal became operational on October 14.
Adding to this, The Supreme Court allowed former Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi to resign from the five-member panel and asked it to indicate whether a replacement was required. (HT Photo) The five-member committee, formed in August under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court judge, justice (retd) R Subhash Reddy, informed the court in a confidential report that only a few complaints had been received on the portal, with no complainant appearing in person or approaching the committee through email.
Meanwhile, The bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justice Joymalya Bagchi shared, “We would like the committee to start submitting its fact-finding reports.”
Notably, The court referred to its August 18 and September 10 orders, which had asked the committee to consider submitting reports on two priority issues: targeted violence, harassment and molestation of women protesters; and grievous harm and injuries allegedly caused to protesters by police and security personnel, including the need for interim compensation.
As per the latest buzz, Posting the matter for December 2, the bench shared, “The committee may submit an interim report on the priority issues identified by us.”
In further updates, The court asked the petitioners to encourage victims and complainants to file their representations with the committee. At the same time, it clarified that the panel need not wait indefinitely for complaints. “Whatever information and material is submitted by the parties, including material submitted by petitioners on behalf of the victims, will be examined and considered,” the bench shared.
On top of that, The court also shared that since complainants were not required to disclose victims’ identities, petitioners could share with the HPEC material already submitted before the court, including copies of petitions and video clips attached to them.
The committee’s confidential report was circulated only among the judges. Senior advocate Monika Gusain, assisting the court as amicus curiae, shared the reports were not being shared with her. Petitioners represented by senior advocates N Hariharan and Gopal Sankaranarayanan also shared they were unable to assist the court without knowing the contents of the HPEC reports.
Source: Hindustan Times