SC Seeks Panel Suggestions Over Police Conduct in NEET Protests

The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, has issued formal notices on petitions alleging excessive use of force by Delhi Police during student protests. These demonstrations were organized by groups including Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The court is now moving to establish a high-powered committee to investigate claims of police brutality. This panel is expected to include a former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a neutral and thorough inquiry into the events.

During the proceedings, Delhi Police defended their actions, attributing the chaos at protest sites like Jantar Mantar to the presence of 'anti-social elements'. Law enforcement officials explained to the bench why certain officers were deployed in civil clothes during the demonstrations. They maintained that the use of force was necessary to maintain public order as protests intensified. However, petitioners argue that the police response was disproportionate and violated the fundamental rights of students who were peacefully demanding transparency in national examinations.

Chief Justice Surya Kant has directed advocates representing the petitioners to submit their suggestions for the committee's specific ambit by this evening. The court aims to define the scope of the investigation quickly to prevent further escalation of student unrest. This development signals a significant move towards accountability for law enforcement during public demonstrations. For India, the outcome of this probe will likely set new precedents for how police manage large-scale student-led movements and handle allegations of human rights violations during civil protests.