Supreme Court to set up panel on alleged police excesses during July 20 Delhi protest

The Supreme Court said it will form a high-powered committee to examine allegations of police excesses during the July 20 student march towards Parliament in Delhi.

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the panel would include retired judges, a former DGP, a former CBI director and other members proposed by the parties. Its order constituting the committee is expected on Wednesday.

Video footage and CCTV recordings from the clashes will be handed to the panel, which will also examine complaints by women protesters who said they were targeted during the march and in other areas. Security personnel used lathis and teargas shells when crowds attempted to move towards Parliament, the court was told.

The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for details of FIRs involving student protesters, while indicating it could use its powers under Article 142 to quash cases. The court said students had a right to protest under Article 19 and that their future had to be considered.

Mehta said police had identified more than 2,800 people with past involvement in serious offences as responsible for violence during the protest. The court had earlier said police action cannot be justified merely because an agitation is taking place.