Supreme Court sets one-month deadline for protest inquiry

The Supreme Court on November 5 directed the High-Powered Enquiry Committee investigating alleged police excesses during July protests to submit its first fact-finding report within a month, saying the panel should proceed with the material it has rather than wait indefinitely for more complaints. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, said information and evidence submitted by petitioners and others on victims’ behalf should be examined. It asked the committee to seek responses from relevant authorities and begin reporting on two priority issues identified by the court, while also addressing other matters referred to it. The priority issues include the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of female protesters, and excessive violence and property destruction on either side, according to the court’s earlier directions described during the hearing. The court said the committee could submit an interim report on the priority issues. The court noted that the committee had received very few complaints, either online or in person. The panel had publicised its process and created a portal and dedicated email address, the court said. One account of the...