Delhi High Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Police Conduct During Student Protests
Protests and Legal Proceedings in Delhi
Delhi Police detaining protesters attempting to push through security barricades in a bid to reach Jantar Mantar to join the CJP's march on Monday (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, July 21: Following intense protests and clashes during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Sansad Chalo" march, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday opted not to expedite a petition claiming that Delhi Police excessively used force against students.
A division bench led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia dismissed the plea for an urgent hearing, stating that the petition would be scheduled for Wednesday.
"Don't drag the court into all this," the bench commented while rejecting the request for immediate attention.
The petition contended that the police's actions were overly aggressive towards students who participated in the march aimed at protesting alleged irregularities in competitive exams and advocating for reforms in the examination process.
This legal action unfolded amidst increased political and administrative scrutiny following the violent incidents.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda visited Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital to evaluate the condition of those injured during the protests.
Sources indicated that Nadda assessed the medical treatment being provided to the injured protesters, with hospital officials confirming that all admitted individuals were under proper medical care.
This visit came after Nadda's meeting on Monday with two CJP representatives, where he reportedly assured them that the government would consider their demands and that there would be no further crackdowns.
In the meantime, Delhi Police have filed four FIRs against individuals accused of inciting trouble, with two additional cases being prepared related to violence, vandalism, and other offenses associated with the march.
The FIRs have been lodged at various police stations, including Parliament Street and Connaught Place, under multiple legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Delhi Police reported that approximately 60 protesters were injured during the clashes, while over 118 police personnel, including senior officers, sustained injuries while managing the situation.
Authorities stated that around 70 protesters were detained after tensions escalated when demonstrators attempted to advance towards Parliament despite existing restrictions.
However, the CJP has accused the police of employing excessive force to disperse the crowd.
The organization claimed that several students were harmed during the police action and alleged that activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, was mistreated by officers.
Delhi Police refuted these claims, labeling reports of Angmo's assault during the protest as "completely false and misleading."
These events transpired a day after thousands of students, youth activists, and supporters participated in the CJP's "Sansad Chalo" march in the capital, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability regarding alleged examination paper leaks and reforms in the examination system.