CJI addresses police excess, pellet guns, and protest remarks

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, addressed allegations of police excesses during 'Cockroach Janta Party' protests including use of pellet guns and electric shock weapons.

The Court indicated that allegations of police excesses warrant an independent and transparent investigation, possibly via a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or high-powered committee.

The bench stressed the need for a uniform national protocol for handling protests and crowd-control measures beyond fixing accountability.

CJI Surya Kant stated that whoever has committed excesses must be brought under the law, applying accountability to all sides.

The Court questioned why an independent probe should not be ordered into allegations of grievous injuries and assault on women, advocates, and media persons.