What happened: Supreme Court orders an HPEC on NEET protest violence
The Supreme Court ordered the constitution of a High-Powered Expert Committee (HPEC) to probe issues related to violence during NEET protests. The Court directed that the HPEC’s inquiry should not be a one-time exercise. The HPEC must carry out continuous and periodic assessment and submit interim findings so the Court can issue appropriate directions as the investigation progresses.
The Supreme Court suggested that the HPEC should prioritise allegations of targeted violence, harassment, and molestation of female protesters. The Supreme Court also asked the HPEC to assess alleged harm said to be caused by police and security personnel.
The Supreme Court stated that constituting the HPEC will not prevent police authorities or security forces from taking administrative or disciplinary action against officers found to have violated conduct rules.
The Supreme Court stated that the HPEC should list each allegation rather than filtering issues, so that the committee can examine every allegation.
The Supreme Court recorded petitioners’ request for clarity on “proportionate and measured” police response during protests and peaceful assemblies, linking the request to balancing public order with the constitutional right to peaceful dissent.
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