Ex-SC judge Subhash Reddy to lead probe into action on CJP Parliament march
The Supreme Court of India has appointed a five-member committee to investigate allegations of police brutality against students protesting the NEET exam leak. The panel is also tasked with establishing constitutional safeguards to prevent the misuse of sedition laws against peaceful dissent.
Why it matters
The case addresses the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the fundamental right to protest and free speech in India.
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Thursday appointed a five-member high-powered enquiry committee (HPEC) led by former SC judge R Subhash Reddy to probe alleged police excesses on students marching to Parliament on July 20 during the CJP-led protest against NEET leak, and counter-allegations of criminal elements sneaking in to indulge in violence and vandalism.Importantly, despite pendency of petitions challenging validity of the sedition provision under Sec 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, SC asked HPEC to examine "establishment of strict constitutional thresholds and safeguards to prevent Section 152 (similar to Section 124A of IPC) from being invoked as an instrument to stifle political dissent and peaceful protest" and "operate as a chilling restraint upon constitutionally protected speech and assembly".In its July 18 order made public Thursday, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana gave an open tenure to HPEC, which comprises retired chief justice of Punjab…
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