Delhi Police Use of Force at Jantar Mantar: Supreme Court to Hear Complaints
The Delhi Police, along with unidentified individuals, used force against student protesters at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Video clips circulating online show personnel in uniform and plain clothes engaging in acts of violence. Some protesters sustained pellet injuries, the source of which remains unconfirmed by authorities.
The Supreme Court of India, after initial reluctance, agreed to hear complaints of police excesses on Monday, July 27. Chief Justice of India clarified that the earlier hesitation was technical, and the Court is open to those seeking justice. Two petitions detailing the nature and extent of force have been filed before the Court.
Video evidence includes incidents of an identifiable senior Delhi Police official slapping a female protester, an officer with three stars poking a woman from behind, and personnel surrounding a female protester while one groped her and others leered. Unidentified persons in helmets were also seen beating protesters, some carrying sticks with nails, and smashing vehicles.
The protesters, comprising students, teenagers, families with toddlers, and women, were largely peaceful according to available footage. There is no verified evidence of large-scale violence by protesters that would justify the level of force used.
Previous incidents of police action against protesters in Delhi include a 2020 incident at JNU where students were attacked while police looked away, and a 2019 incident at Jamia Millia Islamia where police entered the library and beat students during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. No serious investigation or arrests followed those events.
The current crackdown, triggered by protests against recurring paper leaks in examinations, has raised concerns about proportionality and accountability. The police have not yet commented on the specific allegations. The Court has called for a thorough investigation to identify all individuals involved, whether authorised police personnel or vigilantes, and to determine if the use of force was authorised and proportionate. Special attention is to be paid to complaints of sexual assault and violence against women and children. Those found guilty must face legal consequences.
