The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on Monday two petitions alleging excessive police action against student protesters demonstrating over examination paper leaks, including at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and other locations across the country.
The matter was mentioned before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant by Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who argued that the petitions had now been formally filed and required urgent consideration.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes days after widespread allegations of police excesses during protests and marks the latest judicial intervention in the ongoing controversy over examination-related irregularities.
Supreme Court Lists Pleas for Monday Hearing
Seeking an urgent hearing, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the Bench that the petitions concern alleged violence against student protesters and that the necessary diary numbers had now been assigned.
Stressing the urgency, he submitted that incidents of alleged excessive force against students were continuing and urged the court to intervene, saying, “The Court stands between us and the police.” Responding to the request, Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “Let it be listed, we will entertain,” before directing that the petitions be heard on Monday.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice also clarified that reports claiming the Supreme Court had refused to hear such a petition were incorrect, explaining that no formally instituted writ petition had existed at the time.
Background to the Protests
The petitions arise from protests organised by students over alleged examination paper leaks and other exam-related irregularities. Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere intensified after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes with police and allegations of excessive force.
Separately, the Delhi High Court has also sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions challenging the police action and directed authorities to preserve relevant records, including CCTV footage and videography, as the legal scrutiny of the incidents continues.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Peaceful protest and the right to seek accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy, just as maintaining public order is an important responsibility of law enforcement agencies. Allegations of excessive force deserve an impartial judicial examination so that facts are established, accountability is ensured where necessary, and public trust in institutions is strengthened. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter, the focus should remain on safeguarding both constitutional rights and public safety through dialogue and due process. How can authorities and citizens work together to ensure that protests remain peaceful while every allegation of misconduct is investigated fairly?
