Delhi High Court Issues Notices Over Police Force at Protests

The Delhi High Court is reviewing two separate legal challenges alleging excessive police force during public demonstrations in New Delhi. On July 22, the court heard a Public Interest Litigation regarding the dispersal of a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protest, which began June 28 at Jantar Mantar to address education issues and exam leaks, ended on July 18 when police allegedly used force to clear the site and detained demonstrators. The petition seeks an independent investigation and the preservation of CCTV and drone footage.

In a separate matter, the court issued notices to the Union government and Delhi Police following the Cockroach Janta Party's Sansad Chalo march on July 20. Petitioners allege that officers used nail-studded lathis, electric batons, and pellets, and specifically cited a video of Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba slapping a woman. The court ordered the preservation of all videography and PCR logs.

The Government of India opposed these petitions, with Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju characterizing them as publicity petitions. The government asserts the protests turned violent, leading to injuries of police personnel and damage to property. The Delhi Police have responded by registering nine FIRs against protesters for rioting and vandalism. The court has scheduled further hearings for September 11.