New Delhi, 18 August 2026: The Supreme Court has made an important comment during the hearing of the case of alleged misbehavior and brutality with the protesting students at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The court has said that a special committee is being formed to investigate this matter. Chief Justice of India Surya Kante had clearly stated during the hearing that the future of the students participating in the peaceful protest should not be ruined.
The court has said that a former Justice of the Supreme Court, a former Chief Justice of the High Court, a senior officer retired from the post of Director General (DG) and former directors of CBI and Police will be included in this committee with consent. Members to be included: CJIA said, “We have obtained the consent of a former Director General of CBI, who is a very distinguished officer and retired a few years ago. We have also obtained the consent of a former Director General of Police of a state.”
The court said that this committee will listen to every victim and give them ample opportunity to present themselves. All necessary infrastructure facilities will be provided to this committee by the court. The court said that it will wait for the interim recommendations from the committee, based on which necessary legal action will be taken.
During the hearing in the Supreme Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said that the investigation should continue against those against whom serious criminal cases have already been registered. CJIA also agreed to this and said, “Legal action and investigation should continue against those who were involved in criminal activities during the peaceful protest or against whom serious cases have already been registered, but the future of innocent students should not be jeopardized.”
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Article 19 and students' rights
CJI Surya Kante had remarked that, as long as there is no intention to break the law and the aim is to present one's demands peacefully and legally, the rights of the citizens guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution should not be forgotten. Such cases should be considered completely different from those cases in which confirmed criminals enter such a peaceful gathering and spread violence.