New Delhi, July 22: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi Police on a batch of public interest litigations (PILs) alleging excessive use of force during the CJP-led ‘Sansad Chalo’ march over the alleged NEET paper leak. The court also directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage, videography and other records related to the July 20 protest.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the allegations were not isolated incidents requiring individual complaints and sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police within four weeks. The Bench clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations.
The petitioners alleged that police used disproportionate force against peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights. Senior advocates appearing for the petitioners claimed that over 90 students were injured and alleged the use of lathis, electric batons, tear gas and other force without adequate warning. They also sought registration of FIRs against police personnel accused of assault and an independent investigation.
The Centre and Delhi Police opposed the petitions, arguing that prohibitory orders were in force, the crowd had turned violent, police personnel were injured and public property was damaged. Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju contended that the PILs relied on social media videos and that aggrieved individuals could seek remedies under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The High Court directed the respondents to file counter affidavits within four weeks, with petitioners allowed two weeks thereafter to submit rejoinders. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 11.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court dismissed a separate PIL challenging the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, noting that related proceedings were already pending. Separately, the Supreme Court declined an urgent listing of another petition challenging the alleged police action during the protest.
