New Delhi, July 29: A detailed report has been sought from the Delhi Police Commissioner after the National Human Rights Commission initiated proceedings regarding police action during a student demonstration in the capital. The inquiry stems from a July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar that resulted in violent clashes and injuries among student groups.
Outlining the core principles governing public demonstrations, the Commission declared, “The Commission firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right and can only be subjected to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, and that the State’s response to any protest must be strictly proportionate and not excessive.”
The panel further asserted, “The contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. The use of force in any manner on protesting students, who were raising an issue of public concern, if found excessive and disproportionate, will be contrary to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution as well as in contravention of India’s obligations under international human rights laws.”
Initiated in response to repeated paper leak incidents, the student movement had culminated in a planned march toward Parliament. Although law enforcement authorities stated that no permissions had been granted for the march, large gatherings formed on July 20, leading to physical confrontations and the eventual clearing of the protest site by force.
Highlighting the necessity of accountability, the Commission stated, “In view of the gravity of the issue, the Commission takes suo-motu cognizance of the matter.” The rights body has directed law enforcement to supply specific details concerning the legal grounds for invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the precise degree of physical force used, and injury reports from the scene.
