The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Centre and Delhi Police following public interest litigations alleging excessive force during the recent ‘Sansad Chalo’ march led by the CJP. The court directed the preservation of relevant records, including CCTV footage, related to the incident. Responding authorities are required to provide their responses within four weeks.
The court emphasized that the allegations were not isolated incidents and instructed the preservation of all pertinent records as mentioned in the petitions. This includes CCTV footage and videography in line with police standard procedures. The order came on the same day another PIL seeking a declaration concerning activist Sonam Wangchuk’s removal was dismissed.
Senior advocates argued that students were peacefully exercising their rights during the protests and accused the police of using excessive force. Allegations included the use of weapons like lathis with nails, pellets, and electric batons. The court was urged to direct FIR registration against identifiable personnel and conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
