NEW DELHI, Jul 28: The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that it may constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a fair, transparent and independent probe into allegations of police excesses during recent protests over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities, while asserting that the law must take its course whenever “defined protocol” is violated.
Hearing a batch of petitions alleging police action against students protesting across the country, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, questioned the need for an independent inquiry into the incidents.
“Whosoever committed excesses, took law in their hands should be taken to task,” the Chief Justice observed.
The bench said a comprehensive and impartial investigation was necessary into all allegations relating to police action against protesting students. It also said the probe should determine the circumstances surrounding attacks on nearly 250 police personnel and ascertain whether those responsible were students or “miscreants”.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that students were unlikely to have indulged in violence and alleged that miscreants with criminal backgrounds had infiltrated the protests and attacked security personnel.
The matter remains under hearing.
On Monday, the apex court had observed that an agitation could not justify “police excesses” or a lathi charge, while reiterating that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected.
The protests intensified after a march in Delhi on July 20, during which demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue clashed with security personnel, who used lathis and tear gas to disperse the crowd. (Agencies)
