Supreme Court gives panel one month to submit report on July protest violence

The Supreme Court on Thursday (November 5) instructed the High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) tasked with probing the violence that took place during the students’ protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Janata Mantar in July to submit its fact finding report within a month.

'Panel should start seeking responses'

The direction was issued by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi who further stated the material submitted by petitioners representing the victims must also be examined by the committee.

"We have clarified that information and material submitted by parties, including material submitted on behalf of victims, will be examined and considered. There are two issues which have been prioritised, besides other issues referred to the committee. The committee need not wait indefinitely," stated the bench as quoted by the Bar and Bench.

Also Read: SC-appointed panel launches portal for complaints over July violence at Jantar Mantar

The court further stated that the committee should start seeking responses from the concerned persons on the basis of the received materials and submit its first report within a month.

"It may submit an interim report on the two priority issues. We would like the committee to start submitting its fact-finding reports. Unless there is something extraordinary requiring confidentiality, we would ordinarily like the relevant contents of those reports to be shared," stated the court.

Probe to cover alleged pellet gun use, violence

The court had earlier instructed the committee to look into alleged use of pellet guns, targeted violence and alleged harassment of female protesters along with excessive violence and destruction of property on both sides.

During the hearing, senior advocate N Hariharan stated the progress made by the committee so far was yet to be disclosed.

Also Read: WATCH: SC junks 129 FIRs against student protesters; who got the upper hand?

"Our petition concerns the brutalities allegedly committed during the protests. That is the principal issue requiring consideration. We do not know whether any departmental inquiry has been initiated or whether any case has been registered concerning what happened. That is the issue which this Court should consider first," Hariharan stated.

Lawyers differ over sharing of committee report

The too court was also told that the committee’s report may be submitted in a sealed cover. Regarding this Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated "The report can be considered with the assistance of the amicus and the committee. Otherwise, everyone will start debating the report on television channels. I am not saying anything about the lawyers. Its sanctity must be maintained."

Hariharan responded stating that the report must be shared with the petitioners as the court had earlier expressed its reservation against the practice of reports being submitted in sealed covers.

What the CJI said

At this juncture, the CJI said that the court will examine the report on its own and then formulate the issues on which petitioners can assist the bench.

"The only difference is that this is not a sealed-cover procedure adopted by the government or one of its agencies. This is a High-Powered Committee constituted by this Court,” said the CJI.

Also Read: Why CJI’s dismissal of CJP protest crackdown plea exposes gaps in suo motu rules

"Our first concern is that complainants should submit their complaints. A portal has been created. A dedicated email address has also been provided. The committee can then examine those complaints. The committee held a sitting at its office on October 26. Publicity was given through print and electronic media. Notices were sent to protesters who had filed complaints. However, only one complainant appeared on October 29, 2026, and submitted an affidavit," stated the court.

The case will come for next hearing on December 2.