NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Police Action During CJP Protest
Commission issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing the police to submit a detailed report within two weeks
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Delhi Police over allegations of excessive force against students during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.
According to a report by Bar & Bench, the Commission took suo motu cognisance of the allegations and, through an order dated July 25, issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing the police to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The NHRC observed that if the allegations are found to be true, they would raise serious concerns over the protection of fundamental rights during public demonstrations.
The Commission's intervention comes amid growing scrutiny of the police response to the student protest, with the report expected to detail the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of force.
Earlier, a Complaint was filed before the NHRC seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged police brutality against students protesting over the NEET examination paper leak at Jantar Mantar, on July 20, including allegations of misconduct by male police personnel against female students. The Complaint has been filed by the Supreme Court advocate Virender Vashisht. He has sent an email to the commission. The complainant is seeking the intervention of the NHRC Commission in respect of serious allegations of human rights violations committed against students who were peacefully protesting against the alleged NEET examination paper leak at Jantar Mantar.
It is alleged that the protesting students, who were exercising their fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India, were subjected to excessive and disproportionate use of force by the police.The complainant has alleged that during the police action, certain male police personnel intentionally misbehaved with female students while detaining and handling them.