Supreme Court Rejects Plea on Police and July Protest

The Supreme Court on October 9 rejected L Ramanathan’s plea concerning police handling of protests and FIRs linked to a July demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The bench said the concerns and futures of young protesters and their parents had to be considered, and that students should not be unnecessarily drawn into court proceedings. The petition sought directions related to police authority and an investigation into FIRs connected with the protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP. Accounts of the precise relief sought varied: they described requests for an independent probe, greater police independence from judicial interference, and reconsideration of the court’s earlier decision to quash FIRs. The bench said the requested relief would revisit that earlier order, which reports said had invoked Article 142 of the Constitution. Ramanathan argued that police should be able to perform their functions independently. The petition also raised alleged police action during the protest. The supplied accounts do not establish that allegation as a court finding.