CJI Clarifies ‘Don’t Waste Time’ Remark
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has clarified that the Supreme Court did not refuse to hear petitions concerning alleged police action against students protesting in Delhi. He said the court had only directed the petitioners to follow the prescribed filing procedure.
Chief Justice Clarifies Court Remark
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NDTV, Chief Justice Surya Kant said reports suggesting that the Supreme Court declined to hear the matter were incorrect. He stressed that the court could never deny a hearing and remained available around the clock when judicial intervention was required.
The clarification followed criticism over the court’s reported instruction to petitioners not to “waste” its time while they sought an urgent hearing concerning alleged police excesses during student demonstrations.
The Chief Justice explained that the petitioners had initially submitted a brief letter instead of a formally filed petition. Without the necessary documents before the bench, the court could not conduct a proper hearing.
Supreme Court Filing Process Explained
Chief Justice Kant said petitioners seeking urgent intervention must still comply with the Supreme Court’s established filing process. He added that the requirement was intended to uphold legal procedure rather than prevent access to justice.
Once the petitions were filed in the correct form, the Supreme Court accepted them for consideration. The Chief Justice assured citizens that the court would exercise all powers available under the law to provide justice in cases of alleged wrongdoing.
Police Action Petitions Listed
A bench comprising Chief Justice Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana agreed to hear two petitions alleging excessive police force against students protesting over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.
The petitions are scheduled for hearing on Monday. The Delhi High Court has separately directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage, videos and other records connected with the alleged police action.
