Delhi High Court Questions Police Conduct During Parliament Protest

The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over the handling of a recent Parliament protest and directed the Delhi Police to preserve every available piece of digital evidence connected to the incident, including CCTV recordings and body camera footage.

The court made the observations while hearing petitions challenging the police response during the Chalo Parliament rally organized by the Cockroach Janata Party. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on September 11.

During the proceedings, the bench questioned remarks reportedly made by police suggesting that students had joined the protest merely for publicity. The court indicated that such comments required careful consideration and should not be made without proper basis.

The petitioners alleged that the demonstration began peacefully but later turned tense after police used tear gas and carried out a baton charge. They claimed several protesters were subjected to unnecessary force despite participating in a nonviolent gathering.

The protesters have also requested the court to order an independent investigation into the incident. Arguing that the allegations are directed against the police themselves, they urged that the inquiry be entrusted to a Special Investigation Team instead of the Delhi Police.

The High Court has instructed the police to file their response within four weeks regarding the allegations of misconduct and the use of force against demonstrators. The preserved digital evidence is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing judicial examination of the case.