New Delhi, October 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court-constituted High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) has begun inviting complaints and representations from people affected by incidents of violence at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and other cities in July, a Union Home Ministry official said on Saturday.
For the convenience of affected individuals, including police personnel, the committee, headed by former Justice R. Subhash Reddy, has launched a dedicated portal at http://hpec.nic.in, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
The five-member HPEC has been tasked with examining all aspects of the incidents involving violence at Jantar Mantar and other locations outside the national capital during protests in July over alleged examination irregularities.
The committee will examine the issues outlined in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order and paragraph 5(i) of its September 10, 2026, order, the statement said.
Priority will be given to complaints concerning the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of women protesters, as well as allegations of excessive force and property destruction by either side.
Related Posts
The portal has been designed to protect vulnerable witnesses and maintain confidentiality. Affected individuals may choose to keep their identities undisclosed when submitting complaints or representations.
The committee has encouraged affected persons and other stakeholders to access the portal and submit their complaints using the applicable formats. Individuals wishing to provide information or suggestions on issues referred to the HPEC under the Supreme Court’s orders of August 18 and September 10 may also use the portal.
Those seeking to submit complaints, representations or supporting material physically can do so at the HPEC office at Shiksha Sadan, 17, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, New Delhi-110002, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on working days. Submissions may also be sent by post or email, the statement added.
While constituting the committee, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed it to examine allegations of excessive force and violence against protesters by police and other agencies. These included the use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and tear gas without adequate warning or proportionality, allegedly resulting in severe bodily harm, including injuries claimed to be grievous and lasting.
The Chief Justice clarified that broader constitutional questions concerning facial recognition technology, surveillance and privacy would be decided by the Supreme Court itself and would not fall within the committee’s remit.
The apex court also directed the authorities to provide CCTV footage and other relevant records to the HPEC for its investigation.
In its order, the court said police authorities, paramilitary forces and other investigating agencies had been directed on July 28, 2026, to preserve all CCTV and drone footage, body-worn camera recordings, videography, wireless communication records and PCR call logs relating to the student protests. The agencies were also directed to furnish the complete records to the committee and extend full cooperation.
FOLLOW NOW
