Force of law: Delhi Police are pursuing protesters, but not acting against their own

What happened in Delhi Police actions against student protesters

Delhi Police continuing actions against student protesters in Delhi are being described as gravely worrying for democratic governance because of allegations around force, identification of responsible officers, and pursuit methods.

The allegations and concerns raised include claims that Delhi Police personnel in uniform assaulted women protesters and used excessive force, supported in the discussion by references to public video evidence. The discussion further states that Delhi Police did not explain or identify the officer responsible for the alleged assaults.

The discussion also claims that Delhi Police pursued protesters using facial-recognition and surveillance technologies. The legality of such tools is described as disputed, while the discussion argues that accountability for wrongdoing by police officers should be possible through officer identification and standard legal process without reliance on extra software or additional court orders.

On use of force, the discussion criticises pellet use against protesters and argues that Delhi Police should explain pellet use in line with established rules for use of force.

The discussion also raises an enforcement parallel involving freedom of expression, including claims of online and offline action against government critics. It concedes that abusive language can justify action, but insists that law enforcement must clearly cite the relevant law and follow due process transparently.