‘Tread carefully’: SC calls for restraint, dialogue in dealing with student protesters

SC advises restraint as it hears pleas on student protest violence

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that authorities must exercise restraint while dealing with student protesters, saying any violent response to prevent violence only escalates the situation.The court tagged the matter with other pending petitions related to violence during student protests in Delhi and other states, saying the issues would be heard together.“In a democracy, during such peaceful marches, forces also should exercise restraint. Authorities need to tread very carefully so that youngsters don’t indulge in violence. Responding violently would only aggravate the situation. The biggest powerful source is listening, listening to what they are saying and why they are agitating”, the CJI said. The court also expressed confidence in the judgment and discretion of law enforcement agencies.“Let us leave it to the wisdom of the law enforcement agency, they know better than us how to deal with the situation. We have heard you. We will take it up on that day. Let us see the view of the Central Government etc”, the Court said.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the observations while hearing a plea seeking action against the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over its alleged role in the recent violence during CJP-led protests in Delhi and other parts of the country, including incidents of alleged stone-pelting. The observations come days after CJP claimed that the Centre had assured protesters that FIRs registered against students in Bihar and Assam would be withdrawn following late-night talks. According to the organisation, the understanding also included an assurance that no fresh criminal cases would be filed against protesters in connection with the agitation. The CJP has been demanding the withdrawal of cases against students who participated in protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.