Legal proceedings concerning the alleged police action during the October student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have intensified. The Supreme Court has directed the high-powered committee investigating allegations of police brutality to submit its final findings within one month, making it clear that it cannot wait indefinitely for conclusions. Simultaneously, key office-bearers of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) were questioned by the Delhi Police Crime Branch in connection with an associated case arising from the October event.
Supreme Court Mandates One-Month Deadline
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court scrutinised the committee's progress and expressed its intention for a swift resolution. The top court pointed out that the document submitted by the panel on October 31 was merely a status report detailing procedural actions taken up to that point. It contained no definitive conclusions or findings regarding the allegations of police brutality. Emphasising that the matter requires urgent resolution, the court mandated that the committee complete its evaluation and deliver its final findings within the specified one-month timeline.
Expanding the Scope of Evidence and Investigation
The Supreme Court instructed the panel not to restrict its investigation solely to direct complaints lodged by victims. Instead, the committee must examine all available documentation, video recordings, and evidentiary materials submitted by lawyers, advocates, and third parties acting on behalf of the affected students. The court further directed the high-powered body to review all gathered materials meticulously and demand formal explanations from the concerned police officers responsible for overseeing the venue on the day of the incident.
CJP Co-Convenors Questioned by Crime Branch
Parallel to the judicial directives, police investigations into the demonstration advanced. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden on Thursday. Police officials confirmed that both leaders were summoned for questioning regarding the October protest at Jantar Mantar and allegations of trespassing. Officials noted that Jantar Mantar is no longer classified as a designated protest site under prevailing administrative notifications.
Sealed Findings and Future Hearing Schedule
Providing details on the courtroom developments, Supreme Court advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi noted that the high-powered panel submitted a report in a sealed envelope shortly before the hearing. Because the filing was submitted directly to the bench under seal, its content had not been shared with the contesting parties. However, the bench made several observations and read excerpts during the hearing, noting the limited public availability of official documents. The court ordered that appointed Amicus Curiae and nodal officers receive all submitted complaints and evidence to assist the committee in preparing its final recommendations. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on the 2nd.
