New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court has turned down a plea seeking unrestricted authority for the Delhi Police to deal with protesters, observing that the interests and future of young students involved in demonstrations must also be taken into account.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed that the court needed to consider the long-term consequences of legal proceedings for young demonstrators and their families.
“These are young students and protesters before us. We have to see their parents, we have to see they have a long life. [They should not be] entangled with court hearings etc.,” the Chief Justice remarked.
The observation reflected the bench’s concern that young people participating in protests should not be drawn unnecessarily into prolonged legal proceedings, which could affect their future.
At the same time, the court made it clear that its earlier protective orders were not intended to shield individuals accused of serious offences or those described as hardened criminals. Such individuals would not automatically be entitled to the protection extended to other protesters.
The court’s position highlights the distinction between safeguarding young demonstrators from unnecessary legal complications and ensuring that people accused of grave criminal acts remain subject to the law.
The matter comes amid scrutiny of police action and legal protections surrounding protests in the national capital. The court’s remarks underline the need to consider the circumstances of individual protesters while maintaining accountability for those facing serious criminal allegations.
