CJP Protest: The Supreme Court, while hearing the pleas alleging use of excessive police force against the protesting students during the CJP's march, highlighted that an independent probe was required into the matter. While pointing out that agitations in a democracy are "bound to happen", the top court stated that the law cannot be taken in hand. Earlier on July 20, the opposition parties and independent bodies alleged that the Delhi police used excessive force against the students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Independent Probe Required: SC

The apex court further pointed out that there has to be an independent probe into the matter, adding that the investigation is meaningless if responsibility is not fixed. "Whoever has committed excesses and taken law in hand, and whoever has committed atrocities, they must be brought under the law," the top court observed.

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"There has to be completely independent probe. Whoever has committed excess, law will take its course. Probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed," it added. 

The court further acknowledged that the protest in Delhi was held peacefully and within the constitutional framework. "We don't think elaborate arguments are required… It was completely a peaceful protest by students raising some demand. It was within constitutional framework," Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said.

Police Used AK-47 Gun: Petitioner

The lawyers appearing for the protesters alleged that several excessive measures were taken during the peaceful demonstrations, incpuding use of tear gas, pellet gun, electric batons, and lathi charge against the protesters. Apart from this, a petition filed by RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha alleged that the police had used AK-47 to disperse the crowd in Bihar's Siwan district.

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While the authorities initially denied the use of pellet gus, the CRPF later acknowledged that it was used to maintain the law and order. The opposition parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, have demanded a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the alleged excessive action.