Delhi High Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking Criminal Action Against Protestors Who 'Assaulted' Police

The Delhi High Court today refused to entertain a petition seeking criminal action against those allegedly involved in violence, assault on police personnel and damage to public property during the July 20 student protest at Jantar Mantar.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asked NGO Save India Foundation to approach the authorities who will take appropriate action in the matter.

At the outset, the Court told Save India Foundation's counsel that the law is well established by the Supreme Court regarding the action taken in similar situations, including damage to public and private property.

“Those mechanism in terms of mandate of Supreme Court are in place. Approach the authorities and they will act,” the Court said.

The Bench disposed of the plea while permitting Save India Foundation to represent its cause with the authorities concerned.

“If any such representation is made, the same shall be attended to and appropriate decision under law shall be taken. Petition is disposed of,” the Court said.

The plea sought directions on the police to identify those responsible for the alleged violence, prosecute them under the applicable criminal laws and recover the cost of damage caused to public property.

According to the plea, the protesters assaulted police personnel, vandalised public property and disrupted normal life in central Delhi, including areas around Parliament and India Gate.

It alleges that the protest was organised by a group referred to as the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) and contends that social media campaigns associated with the group encouraged unlawful acts and mobilisation.

It further claims that videos and other online material incited participants to defy law enforcement and engage in disruptive activities.

Title: Save India Foundation v. Union of India & Ors