NEW DELHI, Nov 5: The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that the High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) looking into alleged police brutality during the July 20 protests reported that “very few complaints” were received.
The Action Taken Report issued on October 31 noted that none were received physically or online. The Court allowed petitioners the liberty to forward whatever material they have, including video clips, to the HPEC for its consideration.
The apex court said the HPEC has started a new portal through which complaints could be filed anonymously. Petitioners ask why the Delhi Police has not placed on record before HPEC information on the kind of ammunition used on the day.
The Court said HPEC may be waiting to collate all details and material before commencing an enquiry. However, the Court said HPEC has to examine material already received and start furnishing fact-finding reports without delay.
The court directed the HPEC to submit its first fact-finding report within a month, saying it cannot wait indefinitely for complaints. The court said the relevant findings of the HPEC should ordinarily be shared with all the parties unless circumstances require confidentiality. The matter would be taken up again in December.
The police had cracked down on protesters called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to protest against the alleged leakage of NEET question papers on July 20 in Delhi leaving several people injured. At least 38 of the injured were taken to the Lady Hardinge Medical College and around 65 to the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital with fractures, swelling due to tear gas, and head and eye injuries, sources had said.
(Manas Dasgupta)