Supreme Court Committee to Investigate July Protests at Jantar Mantar

The Supreme Court's High Powered Enquiry Committee is set to investigate the violence that erupted during the July protests at Jantar Mantar. Scheduled for October 29 and 30, the committee will hear testimonies regarding the alleged use of pellet guns and harassment of female protesters. The public is invited to submit evidence, ensuring the protection of vulnerable witnesses. This inquiry follows violent clashes between police and demonstrators during a march led by the Cockroach Janta Party, which resulted in injuries and hospitalizations. The protests, which began in June, concluded after the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 15:23 IST

Investigation into Jantar Mantar Protests

Police drag away a protester during the NEET protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 24: A High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), appointed by the Supreme Court, is set to conduct a two-day session on October 29 and 30 to investigate the violence that occurred during the protests at Jantar Mantar in July. The committee will gather testimonies and evidence regarding the alleged use of pellet guns and the harassment faced by female protesters.

Proceedings will commence at 11 am at Shiksha Sadan, located at 17 Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, as confirmed by officials on Saturday.

Members of the public who were affected by the violence are encouraged to attend between 11.30 am and 3 pm on both days to file complaints or provide evidence, provided they present valid identification.

The committee will focus on the alleged use of pellet guns, targeted violence, harassment of female protesters, and instances of excessive force and property damage from both sides, according to officials.

Chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice R Subhash Reddy, this five-member panel was established in response to multiple petitions alleging police brutality against student protesters during the demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alongside counterclaims of violence against law enforcement.

To encourage broad participation and protect vulnerable witnesses, the committee has also introduced an online portal, hpec.nic.in.

Affected individuals, witnesses, and stakeholders can utilize the portal to submit statements, representations, and supporting documents in the required formats.

"The online portal has been created in accordance with the Supreme Court's directives to protect vulnerable witnesses and facilitate the submission of materials by affected individuals and other relevant parties," stated a public notice issued earlier.

The Supreme Court has instructed the HPEC to ensure complete protection for vulnerable witnesses, maintaining confidentiality regarding their identities and the statements and evidence they provide.

The CJP's march to Parliament on July 20 resulted in violent confrontations between security forces and protesters, during which police deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.

Several students were hospitalized due to injuries that may have resulted from the use of pellet guns.

The student-led protests, which began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 and spread to various cities, concluded on July 25 following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.