The Supreme Court of India observed on Wednesday that listening to and counseling young people represents the most powerful tool for law enforcement and society to prevent violence during demonstrations. Hearing a fresh petition regarding the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant cautioned that aggressive state action risks aggravating situations and triggering further unrest.
The petition, filed by former Indian Air Force officer Manish Solanki, sought accountability and legal action against the organizers and alleged rioters involved in the July 20 march, which saw violent clashes near Jantar Mantar. Solanki’s plea also urged the court to prevent governments from routinely withdrawing criminal cases against rioters based on political understandings and requested community service mandates for individuals making derogatory remarks against police personnel.
During the proceedings, petitioner’s counsel Advocate Rizwan Ahmad argued that while authorities faced intense scrutiny, protest organizers had escaped accountability while delivering provocative speeches across media outlets. Responding to concerns over stone-pelting and unpermitted marches, the bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, emphasized that democratic movements should begin peacefully and that state forces must exercise restraint when isolated incidents occur.
The apex court tagged the new petition with the ongoing batch of matters concerning nationwide student protests, alleged police excesses, and the use of pellet guns. Clarifying its stance on legal proceedings, the court maintained that operational decisions remain under the purview of law enforcement agencies while indicating its willingness to facilitate the withdrawal of FIRs against eligible students without grave criminal antecedents.