New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Bodies have strongly criticised the Delhi Police’s action against student protesters in New Delhi. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) have demanded an independent and time-bound investigation into allegations of excessive police force. The two legal bodies also called for accountability, medical help for the injured, and protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
The statements came after reports that Delhi Police used lathi charge and tear gas to stop students marching towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session. The protests were linked to alleged irregularities in public examinations, including the NEET paper leak.
Delhi Police Protest Controversy: Why Did the Supreme Court Bar Bodies Issue Statements
The SCBA and SCAORA released separate resolutions after reports and videos showed police action against peaceful student protesters. Both organisations said the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators raises serious constitutional and legal concerns. They urged authorities to conduct a fair investigation and ensure accountability.
SCBA Condemns Police Action
The Supreme Court Bar Association strongly condemned the reported use of force against students. According to the association, several students and members of the legal fraternity were injured during the incident.
SCBA described the reported use of excessive and disproportionate force as unacceptable in a democratic country.
Delhi Police Protest Controversy: SCBA’s Key Demands
The SCBA asked the authorities to:
- Conduct an immediate, impartial and time-bound independent inquiry.
- Identify officials responsible if excessive force is found.
- Take legal action against those responsible.
- Provide proper medical treatment to injured students and lawyers.
- Take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The association also expressed solidarity with the injured students and reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional rights, human dignity and the rule of law.
SCAORA Stresses Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association also expressed deep concern over the police action. It said peaceful protest is protected under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India.
According to SCAORA, while the government has the power to maintain public order, any restriction on peaceful protests must be legal, necessary and proportionate.
Supreme Court Judgments Cited
SCAORA referred to important Supreme Court judgments, including:
- Himat Lal K. Shah v. Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad
- Ramlila Maidan Incident Case
The association said these judgments make it clear that police action against peaceful gatherings must always follow constitutional principles.
Delhi Police Protest Controversy: Call for Independent Investigation
Both bar bodies demanded an independent investigation into all allegations of excessive police force. They said every complaint should be examined fairly and without bias.
SCAORA also urged authorities to engage with peaceful protesters through dialogue and restraint instead of unnecessary force.
Background of the Student Protest
Thousands of students and young protesters gathered to march towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session. The protest focused on alleged irregularities in public examinations, including the NEET paper leak. Protesters also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to the bar bodies, several protesters and members of the legal fraternity were injured during the police action.
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