India
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has assured the country’s youth and citizens that the Supreme Court remains committed to delivering justice, stating that the apex court’s doors are “open 24 hours a day” for anyone seeking legal redress. His remarks come amid growing controversy over the alleged police excesses during the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” protest in Delhi and criticism directed at the judiciary over the handling of the matter.
Speaking on Friday, CJI Surya Kant said the Supreme Court would hear every legitimate grievance in accordance with the Constitution, judicial procedure and the rule of law. He stressed that if injustice had been caused to any individual, the court would ensure that the matter is examined through the proper legal process and justice is delivered wherever warranted.
Addressing concerns raised by students and sections of civil society, the CJI said the judiciary remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens. He reiterated that the Supreme Court is always prepared to address the suffering and grievances of the people while functioning strictly within the legal framework.
The Chief Justice also rejected claims that the Supreme Court had refused to hear petitions related to the student protests. Clarifying the sequence of events, he explained that when the controversy first emerged, no formal writ petition had been filed before the court. Instead, only a representation or letter had been submitted while seeking an urgent hearing.
According to CJI Surya Kant, such representations do not satisfy the legal requirements for initiating judicial proceedings. He emphasised that petitions must be filed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s prescribed rules and procedures before they can be considered for listing.
He noted that once properly drafted petitions were formally submitted and mentioned before the bench, the court immediately agreed to list them for hearing. The petitions have now been scheduled to be heard on Monday.
Earlier in the day, while presiding over a bench alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, the Chief Justice also criticised what he described as “reckless” reporting suggesting that the Supreme Court had declined to hear the matter. He clarified in open court that no writ petition had been officially filed until Friday morning.
Later, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned two newly filed petitions alleging excessive police force during the July 20 demonstrations. Informing the bench that the petitions had been assigned diary numbers and formally instituted, he requested an urgent hearing, citing continuing allegations of police brutality against student protesters. The bench accepted the request and directed that the matter be listed on Monday.
The controversy stems from the “Chalo Sansad” march organised on July 20, during which thousands of students and protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and called for sweeping reforms in India’s examination system.
The demonstration turned tense after protesters attempted to cross police barricades. Delhi Police responded with tear gas shells and a lathi-charge, maintaining that force became necessary after sections of the crowd allegedly turned violent and resorted to stone-pelting. Protesters, however, have accused the police of using excessive force during the crackdown.
The issue has also reached the Delhi High Court, which has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the police action while hearing petitions challenging the crackdown.
Meanwhile, political efforts to resolve the crisis are also underway. A delegation of protest leaders held discussions with Union ministers after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following assurances from the government. While both sides described the talks as constructive, protest leaders have maintained that their agitation will continue until their demands, including accountability for the police action and comprehensive examination reforms, are addressed.
With the Supreme Court now set to hear the petitions, the legal battle over the July 20 protest crackdown is expected to become a significant test of judicial scrutiny into allegations of police excesses and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
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