SC Orders Release of Minor Student Protesters
The Supreme Court has ordered the release of detained student protesters below the age of 18 who have no previous criminal record. The interim directions came while the court examined petitions alleging excessive police action during nationwide demonstrations over examination irregularities.
Supreme Court Orders Release of Minors
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed Delhi and all state governments to immediately release eligible minors arrested or detained during the protests.
The protection applies only to protesters below 18 years of age who have no criminal antecedents. The court also sought responses from states where violence and alleged police excesses were reported.
The bench observed that protests were an integral part of democracy but stressed that anyone who committed violence or violated the law must face appropriate action.
Independent Probe Into Protest Violence
The Supreme Court said the material presented before it established a prima facie case for an independent and transparent investigation.
It indicated that a Special Investigation Team and a high-powered committee could be constituted to examine alleged police excesses in Delhi and other states. The allegations include grievous injuries, the use of pellets and assaults on women, lawyers and journalists.
The investigation would also examine attacks that reportedly injured more than 250 police personnel and determine whether students or outsiders who entered the demonstrations were responsible.
Digital Protest Evidence Must Be Preserved
The court directed police authorities to preserve evidence collected through CCTV cameras, facial-recognition systems, drones and other digital tools.
It also ordered that protesters’ personal information and the collected digital material must not be released into the public domain.
The bench indicated that the proceedings could help establish a uniform national protocol governing protests, crowd control and police responses during public demonstrations.
