CJI: Women Protestors Can Take Sexual Abuse Complaints Directly to HPEC Nodal Officer

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday (August 24, 2026) assured women protestors that they can directly approach the nodal officer of the High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) with complaints of sexual molestation against police personnel during the crackdown on NEET-UG protests on July 20. The nodal officer will be a judicial officer, the court said.

The assurance came in response to an oral mentioning made by senior advocate Shobha Gupta, who argued that there should be a separate, sensitive mechanism for women protestors to file their complaints and seek legal action against police personnel. Ms. Gupta said that without such a mechanism, women might hesitate to come forward, given the circumstances of the protests and the nature of the allegations.

Responding to the submission, Chief Justice Kant said the HPEC has already been formed, and a direction has been given for complaints involving police abuse to receive priority attention. The Chief Justice emphasised that women protestors can approach the nodal officer directly, ensuring their grievances are recorded without the need to go through regular police channels, which may be perceived as intimidating or biased.

The Supreme Court constituted the high-powered enquiry committee on August 20, to be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy. The committee has been tasked with probing issues and allegations, including those of police excesses against students, surrounding the nationwide protests against the NEET-UG paper leak. The terms of reference include examining the role of security personnel and assessing whether the response to the protests was proportionate.

In its formation order, the Court suggested that the panel take up, on a priority basis, allegations of targeted violence, harassment, and molestation of female protestors. The panel was urged to assess the grievous harm and injury allegedly caused to protestors by police authorities and security personnel, with a particular focus on incidents where women were subjected to unacceptable behaviour.

The protests were triggered by allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, which led to widespread demonstrations by students across the country. On July 20, police personnel were deployed in several cities to control the protests, and multiple reports of police excesses emerged from the scene. The HPEC is expected to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into these events, with an emphasis on ensuring that the rights of peaceful protestors, including women, are protected.

Legal observers noted that the court’s directive to have a judicial officer as the nodal point for receiving complaints is a significant safeguard. It is intended to provide a reliable and impartial mechanism for women to report incidents, without the fear of their complaints being dismissed or diluted at the local level. The nodal officer will be responsible for recording the complaints, initiating appropriate legal action, and coordinating with the HPEC during its investigation.

The Supreme Court’s assurance is being seen as an important step in addressing concerns about police accountability during the crackdown. By prioritising allegations against women protestors, the court has signalled that harassment and molestation will be treated as serious matters that warrant urgent attention. The HPEC has been asked to submit its findings within a specified timeframe, ensuring that the inquiry does not languish.

Meanwhile, student bodies have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that it will enable more women to come forward with evidence. They have also urged the committee to ensure that the complaints are not merely recorded but followed by concrete action, including prosecution of offenders and disciplinary measures against police personnel found guilty of misconduct.

The case continues to be monitored by the Supreme Court, which has retained oversight of the HPEC’s work. The next hearing is expected to take place after the committee submits its initial report. The court has made it clear that the inquiry will be thorough and that any attempt to obstruct the process will not be tolerated.