Supreme Court Halts Arrests of CJP Protesters

In a major relief for student protesters involved in the nationwide CJP movement, the Supreme Court of India has directed authorities not to arrest any protesters until the next hearing. The court also ordered the immediate release of detained protesters who have no prior criminal record, marking a significant intervention in the ongoing student agitation.

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Hearing petitions related to police action against student protesters across the country, a three-judge bench led by the Chief Justice of India observed that the constitutional right to peaceful protest must be protected while ensuring law and order.

The bench also indicated that it is considering the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, likely to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate the incidents linked to the nationwide protests.

Supreme Court Issues Notices to Eight States

The matter will now be heard on July 3. Taking serious note of the police action following the student protest at Jantar Mantar, the Supreme Court issued notices to Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.

The court has directed the Chief Secretaries of these eight states to remain present through video conferencing during the next hearing.

Centre Acknowledges Right to Peaceful Protest

Representing the Central Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged before the court that students have the constitutional right to hold peaceful demonstrations.

However, he argued that protests should not turn violent and informed the bench that investigations had revealed the alleged involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds in some protest locations. Authorities are currently working to identify such individuals.

Court Orders Preservation of Electronic Evidence

The Supreme Court directed all concerned states to preserve CCTV footage, video recordings, wireless communication records, call detail records (CDRs), and all other electronic evidence related to the protests.

The bench further instructed authorities not to disclose the personal data of protesters, especially students, while the investigation is underway.

Immediate Release of Eligible Detainees

While permitting police to continue investigating registered FIRs, the Supreme Court made it clear that no arrests or coercive action should be taken against protesters until the next hearing.

The court also expressed serious concern over allegations that minor students were detained in Bihar, directing authorities to release them immediately if the claims are found to be true.

Additionally, the bench ordered the immediate release of all detained protesters who do not have any previous criminal history, providing temporary relief to hundreds of students facing legal action across multiple states.