The Supreme Court of India has constituted a five-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) to investigate allegations of violence and excessive use of force during recent youth-led protests that erupted over concerns relating to examination irregularities and public accountability.
The committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy and has been tasked with conducting an independent inquiry into allegations of police excesses, including the use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges, tear gas, surveillance measures, and alleged misconduct against protesters. The panel will also examine allegations of violence against police and security personnel, as well as damage to public property during the demonstrations.
The Supreme Court observed that the inquiry must balance the State’s obligation to maintain public order with citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest. The Court further directed that allegations involving targeted violence, harassment, and sexual assault against women protesters be treated as matters of priority.
In addition to reviewing crowd-control measures, the committee will assess whether existing protocols governing police action during public demonstrations adequately protect fundamental rights. The panel has also been asked to examine issues relating to accountability, including the identification of officers involved in crowd-control operations and the preservation of surveillance and body-camera footage.
The Court directed that relevant video recordings, CCTV footage, and other evidence be preserved and made available to the committee. The HPEC is expected to submit periodic findings to assist the Court in determining whether additional directions or remedial measures are necessary.
The development highlights the judiciary’s continuing role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and constitutional safeguards in situations involving public protests and law enforcement action.