2 hrs ago
Supreme Court Prioritises Jantar Mantar Pellet-Use Probe
The Supreme Court is examining violence during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The protest concerned alleged NEET paper leaks and other examination problems.
The court asked its committee to focus first on claims involving pellet guns, violence against women and damage to property.
Some people wanted one committee member removed because they questioned his neutrality.
The court refused to change the committee for now.
It said witnesses who are afraid should be protected and allowed to keep their identities secret.
Police must also examine threats against a 14-year-old protester and her family.
The committee must send its first report to the court soon.
The Supreme Court directed its high-powered committee to prioritise inquiries into pellet use, violence against women protesters and property destruction.
The court declined to replace committee member R. Bishnoi despite allegations that he could be biased because of his alleged proximity to central government officers.
The committee must protect vulnerable witnesses, keep their identities confidential and may create an online portal for evidence submissions.
Delhi Police was ordered to assess threats against a 14-year-old protester and her family and provide protection if necessary.
The committee, headed by Justice R. Subhash Reddy, was asked to submit its first report as soon as possible; the case returns on October 9, 2026.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, its high-powered enquiry committee, Delhi Police, protesters and witnesses are involved.
- What
- The court prioritised an inquiry into pellet use, violence against women protesters, property destruction and alleged threats to a young protester.
- Where
- The events and protest concern Jantar Mantar in Delhi; the inquiry is being conducted under the Supreme Court’s direction.
- When
- The order was passed on September 10 and uploaded on Tuesday night; the next hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
- Why
- The probe concerns allegations arising from an agitation against NEET paper leaks and other examination lapses, including violence and property damage.
Applicants and Protesters’ Concerns
Supreme Court and Committee Position
Alleged committee bias
Applicants and Protesters’ Concerns
The applicants sought the replacement of R. Bishnoi, alleging bias because of his alleged proximity to central government officers.
Supreme Court and Committee Position
The Supreme Court declined to reconstitute the committee, calling the aspersions premature and precipitate and citing the members’ expertise, experience and diversity.
Scope of accountability
Applicants and Protesters’ Concerns
The protest-related allegations include pellet use, targeted violence and harassment of women protesters, and threats against vulnerable participants.
Supreme Court and Committee Position
The court directed the committee to examine those allegations as well as excessive violence and property destruction by either side, while reserving broader constitutional questions for a later stage.
Witness participation
Applicants and Protesters’ Concerns
Vulnerable witnesses may fear coming forward because of threats or harassment.
Supreme Court and Committee Position
The court ordered protection and confidentiality for such witnesses and said a separate online portal may be created for submitting statements and evidence.
Key facts
- Inquiry chair
- Former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy
- Issues prioritised
- Pellet-gun use, targeted violence and harassment of female protesters, excessive violence and destruction of property
- Witness protection
- Vulnerable witnesses may receive protection and confidentiality; an online evidence portal may be created
- Committee challenge
- The court rejected a plea to replace member R. Bishnoi over alleged bias concerns
- Police direction
- Delhi Police must assess threats against a 14-year-old protester and her family and file a status report
- Next hearing
- October 9, 2026
- Committee assistance
- Senior advocate Monika Gusain and advocate C. Solomon will assist as representatives and independent arbiters
Quotes
Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant
The Supreme Court bench hearing the petition concerning the Jantar Mantar protest and the HPEC inquiry.
“It goes without saying that utmost confidentiality shall be maintained in respect of any statements given or evidence submitted by such vulnerable witnesses to the HPEC. In furtherance thereof, a separate online portal may be created to facilitate such witnesses and other requisite stakeholders to submit their documents and evidence.”
telegraphindia.com
“We further reiterate the caveat entered by us in paragraph 19 of our order dated August 18, regarding the broader constitutional questions arising herein, and reaffirm that the same shall be considered by this court at the appropriate stage.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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