The Supreme Court on Thursday took note of allegations that a 14-year-old girl associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests was intimidated and stones were thrown at her house. A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said that allegations of intimidation of a minor cannot be taken lightly. The bench emphasised that no person can be allowed to intimidate the victim or her family to pursue criminal proceedings.
Supreme Court Seeks Status Report
A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana orally sought a status report from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi on the FIR, security arrangements for the minor and his family, and action taken against those allegedly involved in the assault and intimidation. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that appropriate action is taken on the girl's FIR and she is given adequate security.
The matter came before the court during a hearing related to student protests when a lawyer raised concerns about a 14-year-old girl. He explained that a man had recently bragged in a video that he had attacked the girl's father during a CJP protest. The man, Swatantra Bhardwaj, was later arrested and remanded in custody.
Without naming anyone, the lawyer said, "A man has boasted in a video and admitted to having committed the crime. Instead of taking action against those who were with him, an FIR has been filed against the child. This is against the order of this court. We want the UP government and the NCT government of Delhi to respond to this."
He further said, "Her FIR has been registered at the Parliament Street police station. We can provide video evidence that stones were thrown at her house. The committee's investigation will take time. If something untoward happens to that child, we will not be able to fix those things."
What Did The CJI Say?
Responding to the allegation, the CJI said, "If there are anti-social elements who have committed violence against the child and they are roaming freely and trying to intimidate the child, then it can be a serious matter. This matter is legitimate. There can be no two opinions on this."
Speaking to the Solicitor General, the CJI said, "A child is a child. Some measures can be taken for the safety of the child. The local police can look into this incident as a separate case."
SG Mehta stated that he learned about the case through a child's social media post. The lawyer pointed out that there are videos showing four policemen with the rioters who attacked the protesters, and no action has been taken against them.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi told the SG, "We want immediate action on that FIR and the UP Police should provide police protection to the victim and the family. The investigation should be conducted by the Parliament Street PS."