Delhi Police, Centre silent on use of force on protesters
Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs have not clarified their position on alleged use of force against protesters after the July 20 march to Parliament, while the Delhi High Court has sought responses and preservation of evidence.
- The Delhi High Court has sought responses in public interest litigation and directed preservation of CCTV footage and video recordings connected to the protest-force allegations.
- Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs had not clarified their position three days after videos emerged, according to The Hindu report.
- More than 100 police and Rapid Action Force personnel were injured during the protest-related violence.
What happened
Videos circulated after the July 20 march to Parliament allegedly showed police personnel using disproportionate force against unarmed protesters. Three days after the videos emerged, Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs had not clarified their position.
The Delhi High Court has asked for responses to public interest litigation petitions and directed authorities to preserve related material, including CCTV footage and video recordings. The Union government has not yet given assurance on an investigation into the alleged police excesses.
UPSC can frame questions on the balance between public order and the constitutional right to protest, the obligation of police to use proportionate force, and the role of the Delhi High Court in preserving evidence and examining allegations of excess force.
