The court did not agree to the demand for changes in the High-Powered Committee of the Supreme Court formed to investigate the violence and police action during the student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and other parts of the country. The petition raised questions on the impartiality of some members of the committee and demanded its reconstitution. The Supreme Court said that investigation cannot be started on the basis of perception of bias against the committee constituted by the court.
The court said it would consider the specific objections raised against a member of the committee, but did not accept the request for reconstitution of the committee. The five-member High Powered Inquiry Committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy is doing it. The committee is also to investigate the alleged use of force by police and security forces as well as violence against police personnel during the student protests.
Committee was formed to investigate the student demonstrations in July
In July, student demonstrations were held in many parts of the country including Jantar Mantar in Delhi. During these demonstrations, the police were accused of using excessive force. During the hearing of the case, the Supreme Court asked its former judge Justice R. A five-member high powered committee was formed under the chairmanship of Subhash Reddy. The committee has to investigate the entire incident as well as the role of police officers and the damage caused to property during the protests. The purpose of the committee's investigation is to clarify the situation of violence, police action and other aspects related to the incidents.
Prashant Bhushan had raised the demand to form a committee again
In the last hearing held on September 10, lawyer Prashant Bhushan had demanded re-constitution of the High Powered Committee. He had raised questions on the impartiality of a former DGP who was made a member of the committee, saying that he was close to some retired officers who were under investigation in the case. His argument was that the presence of such a member could affect the impartiality of the investigation.
During the hearing, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana had said that the committee has been formed after much deliberation. Now in the written order issued in the case, the bench said that the committee is working under the chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court judge. The court said that it is not appropriate to question the impartiality of the committee without any solid basis.
Take care of the safety of victims and witnesses
The written order of the Supreme Court states that the High Powered Committee will present interim reports from time to time during the investigation. On the basis of these reports, the Supreme Court can issue further necessary instructions. The court has also directed the committee to take special care of the safety of the victims and witnesses. Also, the committee has been asked to submit its report as soon as possible.
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