The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a petition seeking action against the organizers under charges of inciting violence in a march to Parliament led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi.
At the same time, the judges observed that ‘even if some misguided individuals indulge in stone-pelting, it is necessary to calm the youth and provide them with proper guidance, and for law enforcement agencies to exercise great restraint.’
Condemning examination irregularities, including the NEET question paper leak, youths and students led by the CJP held a march toward Parliament on July 20. At that time, a clash broke out between the protesters and the security forces. Many people were injured on both sides. As a result of the CJP’s continued protests, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post of Union Education Minister. At the same time, opposition parties have been continuously raising their voices against the central government, citing the police action against the students.
In this context, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of former Air Force officer Manish Kumar Solanki, seeking action against the organizers for allegedly inciting violence during the march toward Parliament.
What action has been taken against the organizers?: This petition came up for consideration on Wednesday before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Jayamalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. At that time, advocate Rizwan Ahmed, appearing for the petitioner, said, “Even after more than 15 days since the incident, accountability has not been fixed on the organizers. They continue to give interviews on television that incite hatred. The government yielding to the protesters would set a dangerous precedent. Should those involved in stone-pelting be allowed to move around freely without any action being taken?
If 500 people suddenly enter Parliament, which is regarded as the temple of democracy, can it be checked who among them has what weapons? What would have happened if someone had opened fire? Therefore, appropriate action should be taken against the protest organizers. Those who spoke disparagingly about the police and security forces should be identified, and appropriate action should also be taken against them,’ he argued.
They must be calmed and guided: Following this, Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “Even if a few misguided individuals engage in stone-pelting, it is necessary to calm and guide the young people taking part in the protest. If an aggressive approach is adopted by the government side, it could worsen the situation further and provoke more violence.”
If any incident occurs during peaceful protests, the security forces must handle the situation with great restraint and caution so that it does not spiral out of control. They must act carefully to prevent violence. Calming the youth and listening to their demands is the most powerful tool. At the same time, the security forces know well how to handle such situations. Let us leave it to their discretion,” he said.
The judges, who admitted the above petition for hearing, ordered that it be listed together with another similar petition.
