Delhi HC seeks govt. response on police actions during CJP march
Delhi High Court seeks responses on allegations of excessive police force during a Parliament march by protesters
- The Delhi High Court asked the Centre and the Delhi Police to respond to petitions alleging excessive force during a Parliament march and ordered preservation of CCTV and video footage.
- The petitioners alleged that police used lathis, nail-studded lathis, electric batons, and pellet guns, and they sought FIRs against identifiable officers and a high-level inquiry.
- The Union government counsel said the protest turned violent and police personnel were injured.
The Delhi High Court has asked the Union government and the Delhi Police to respond to public interest litigation petitions alleging excessive police force during a July 20 Parliament march called by the Cockroach Janta Party. The case matters because it raises questions on the constitutional right to protest, police accountability, and the preservation of evidence for judicial review.
The petitions allege that police used force against students and other protesters during the march and that the allegations could not be treated as isolated incidents. The High Court directed that CCTV and video footage connected to the march be preserved, which is important because video evidence can help courts assess the conduct of both protesters and police personnel.
According to the petitioners, some people in plain clothes carried lathis, including nail-studded lathis, electric batons, and pellet guns. The petitioners also alleged that women protesters were molested and sought FIRs against identifiable officers as well as a high-level inquiry.
The Delhi High Court matter links the right to peaceful protest, police accountability, and judicial review of alleged excess force during a public march. UPSC may frame the issue around constitutional freedoms, proportional use of force, and safeguards for evidence preservation.
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