Supreme Court of India Orders Inquiry Into Police Action During July 20 Student Protests

The Supreme Court of India has constituted a five member high powered committee to conduct an independent inquiry into the use of force by police and security personnel during student protests on July 20. The panel is led by retired Supreme Court judge R Subhash Reddy and includes former judges, a former CBI director, and a retired director general of police. The investigation follows a CJP led protest march to Parliament where students sought exam reforms and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

The committee is tasked with examining allegations that security forces used tear gas, electric batons, lathi charges, and pellet guns without proportionality. It will specifically investigate reports of targeted violence, harassment, and molestation of women protesters, as well as the use of surveillance and blanket prohibitory orders. The court also requested the panel to consider whether metallic kinetic projectiles should be banned and if officers should be required to wear visible nameplates for accountability.

While the court emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into police excesses, it noted that the inquiry would not be one sided. The panel will also examine claims of violence by protesters against police personnel and damage to public property. One report notes that the demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of a minister from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.