Delhi Police explains why cops wore civil clothes during Jantar Mantar protest
The Delhi Police filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court defending the use of plain-clothes officers during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The police stated that these officers acted as 'spotters' for crowd control and that their presence was a standard, legal procedure.
Why it matters
This case addresses the balance between public protest rights and state security measures in a democratic context.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi police on Tuesday replied to the allegations raised about having officers present in civilian clothing during the crackdown on CJP protesters on July 20. During the hearing, the police said that their deployment was a planned crowd-control measure and not an unlawful use of force.In a counter-affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, deputy commissioner of police Sachin Sharma said personnel from the special branch, special cell, crime branch and local police were strategically deployed inside the crowd as “spotters” because of the urgency of the situation.The police said the officers in plain clothes merged with the protesters to monitor developments and respond to violence.It maintained that such a tactic is neither illegal nor unusual and is also used during large public gatherings such as Independence Day and Republic Day events.Police: Plain clothes deployment for crowd-controlResponding to allegations over videos showing men in civilian clothes carrying lathis,…
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