New Delhi, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to constitute a high-powered fact-finding committee to investigate allegations of police excesses during a students’ march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament on July 20.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant sought suggestions from the parties on suitable former judges, retired Directors General of Police or former CBI directors who could be appointed to the panel. The committee is expected to examine CCTV footage of the march and determine whether excessive force was used against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and irregularities in other examinations.
The court was hearing a batch of petitions concerning student protests in Delhi and Bihar. During an earlier hearing, it had observed that the right to peaceful protest is “absolutely guaranteed” and that a lathi charge cannot be justified merely because an agitation is taking place.
On Tuesday, the bench said the committee could be asked to submit periodic reports to enable the court to issue appropriate directions. This assumes particular significance in view of allegations of sexual assault and online harassment involving women protesters.
“Whosoever is responsible, there can be no excuse and no justification. It must be taken seriously and taken to its logical conclusion,” the bench said, adding that the proposed committee would examine every aspect of the allegations.
Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified, however, that broader constitutional issues concerning facial recognition technology, surveillance and privacy would be examined directly by the Supreme Court and would not be left to the committee.
The petitioners may also be given an opportunity to directly place their concerns before the fact-finding panel.
The matter relates to clashes between protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party and police on July 20. Police had used lathi charge and tear gas to prevent the protesters from allegedly attempting to enter Parliament.
The Supreme Court also indicated that it may consider exercising its powers under Article 142 to quash FIRs registered against students, while cases involving individuals with serious criminal antecedents could be considered separately.
The court directed the state governments concerned to provide lists of FIRs in which only protesting students without criminal antecedents have been named.
While indicating that such FIRs could potentially be quashed, the bench stressed that the issue concerns the future of young people.
“Their parents are spending their hard-earned money on their education. They have a future to live. They have legitimate expectations from the system,” the bench observed.
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