What happened

Letters published in The Hindu criticise the reported reluctance of the Chief Justice of India to examine videos of alleged police brutality against protesters. The letters argue that allegations of State excess deserve immediate constitutional attention, especially when young protesters and their families face stress, fear, and distrust in democratic institutions.

The letters also refer to an earlier controversial remark attributed to the Chief Justice of India comparing youth to “cockroaches”, and treat the present judicial posture as part of a wider pattern of dismissal. The writers argue that judicial accountability matters when citizens seek remedies for alleged police violence and bureaucratic deflection.

Background and earlier position

The Supreme Court of India is the final constitutional court and the guardian of Fundamental Rights. In rights-based disputes, courts are expected to test whether executive action violates constitutional guarantees, especially when allegations involve police force, protest policing, or denial of access to justice.

The letters suggest that earlier judicial responses created a perception of distance between the Court and affected citizens. The current criticism is not only about a single hearing but also about whether allegations of police misconduct are being treated with sufficient seriousness.

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