The Supreme Court on Monday said police excesses cannot be justified merely because people are agitating, while agreeing to hear on Tuesday petitions alleging excessive force against students protesting the NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities.
"Police excesses cannot be justified merely because there is agitation," the apex court observed.
The court also emphasised the need for a balanced approach to handling demonstrations.
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"There should be protocol without restrictions. But if there are some anti-social elements etc that can be taken care of," it said.
Besides the petitions filed by students, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a separate plea alleging that police personnel were assaulted during the protests.
The case stems from the July 20 demonstrations, during which protesters alleged that security personnel used excessive force, including pellet guns. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns, while the CRPF has not publicly responded to allegations involving the Rapid Action Force.
The hearing comes as the Centre is set to introduce a Bill in the Lok Sabha to strengthen the anti-paper leak law with stricter punishments.
The developments follow the end of the 36-day CJP-led agitation on Saturday after the government accepted key demands of the protesters. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as education minister following the protests, with Pralhad Joshi taking charge of the ministry.
