Supreme Court Orders Inquiry Into New Delhi Student Crackdown

The Supreme Court of India ordered an evidence-based inquiry into the use of excessive force by security forces during a crackdown on student protesters in New Delhi. On July 20, thousands of unarmed students marched toward the Indian Parliament to demand accountability after a medical college-entrance exam leak led to the cancellation of the test.

Security forces, including the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force, deployed bamboo sticks, tear gas, and pellet guns to disperse the crowd. The operation resulted in at least 150 hospitalizations and 70 detentions. While the Delhi Police maintained that the march was prohibited and force was a last resort, verified video footage and witness accounts suggest the response exceeded United Nations and Indian home ministry guidelines.

The demonstrations ended on July 25 following the resignation of India's education minister. The Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force accepted responsibility for actions taken during the discharge of duty. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the police actions, describing the event as a stain on the country's democratic values.