Supreme Court Orders Release of Minors Detained During Protests

Supreme Court's Directive on Student Protesters

New Delhi, July 28 - The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Tuesday mandating the release of student protesters who are under 18 years old and have no criminal records. The apex court also instructed authorities to preserve electronic and digital evidence related to the recent nationwide protests concerning the NEET question paper leak.

Led by Chief Justice Suryakant, the bench emphasized the necessity for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police misconduct against students. During the hearing of multiple petitions alleging police brutality during the protests, the court provided several interim directives. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan were also part of the bench.

The court directed all states to retain CCTV footage, drone recordings, body camera footage, wireless communication records, PCR logs, and other digital evidence related to the protests. Additionally, it ordered that any digital data collected concerning the protesters should be preserved but not made public.

The bench prohibited authorities from taking any coercive action against the protesting students and stated that individuals with a criminal background would not receive protection. The court allowed the Delhi government to continue investigations into registered FIRs but instructed that no forceful actions be taken against the protesting students until the investigations are concluded.

The bench also sought responses from the chief secretaries of Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh regarding the allegations made in the petitions. The Chief Justice remarked, 'There is a need to consider a fair and independent investigation into the allegations, which should also address the concerns of families of over 200 injured police personnel.'

The bench directed the central and state governments to consider forming an independent committee or special investigation team to ensure a fair, transparent, and comprehensive inquiry into all incidents of violence during the protests, while also recording their statements. Initially, the court questioned why there should not be an independent investigation into the allegations of police excesses.

The bench concluded by stating, 'Anyone who has committed excesses and taken the law into their own hands should be punished.'