Supreme Court Addresses Violations and Threats Following CJP Protests

The Supreme Court of India has ordered immediate action to protect a 14 year old student who alleged she was threatened and harassed by vigilantes following her participation in Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against NEET UG paper leaks. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, leading a three judge bench, described the perpetrators as anti social elements and directed the Solicitor General to ensure the Delhi Police act on the complaint and that the Uttar Pradesh Police provide protection to the child and her family. The court also emphasized that the High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), established to investigate excesses against protesting students, serves as an extended hand of the court to protect vulnerable victims.

In a separate development regarding the same protests, the Supreme Court's rebuke led to the suspension of an Executive Magistrate in Greater Noida. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the magistrate had been suspended for issuing a notice to Akshat Tripathi, a student and SFI leader, in violation of a September 1 court order that quashed cases against students participating in the CJP protests. Chief Justice Kant questioned how the magistrate dared to issue the notice given the clear language of the previous order. The notice, which required Tripathi to execute a personal bond of 500,000 rupees, was subsequently withdrawn.

Legal representatives for the students also raised broader constitutional concerns before the bench. These include the alleged use of facial recognition technology at Jantar Mantar, the storage of surveillance data with private entities, and the use of metal projectiles against unarmed students. While the court asked for the HPEC enquiry to conclude before addressing some procedural questions, advocates urged for a separate hearing on these constitutional issues.