Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on Friday expressed concern over reports of police personnel assaulting students and other protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, describing the incidents as “very distressing” and a “matter of grave concern.”
Bhuyan made the remarks at the launch of Policing the Republic, a book by former secretary (security) Yashovardhan Azad. The event was held at Viceroy Hall in New Delhi.
‘Professional Detachment Disappearing’
“All of us are dismayed when we see young officers of the Indian Police Service personally going and assaulting protesters and demonstrators. This is something very, very distressing to observe,” Justice Bhuyan said.
“The detachment expected of police officers somehow seems to be disappearing, and this is indeed a matter of grave concern,” he added.
He said police could maintain law and order without using excessive force or violating citizens’ rights.
Bhuyan stressed that the police must maintain public trust by acting impartially and professionally and adhering to constitutional principles.
“It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the police force maintains its credibility,” he said, adding that this could be achieved by “strictly adhering to the Constitution” and upholding the rule of law.
Concerns Over Custodial Violence
The Supreme Court judge also raised concerns over cases of custodial torture and deaths, calling such incidents among the worst crimes in a civilised society.
He also emphasised the need for police reforms and cautioned against political interference in the functioning of the police.
Congress MP P Chidambaram, former Maharashtra Director General of Police D Sivanandhan and several others attended the event.
SC Quashes FIRs Against Student Protesters
Bhuyan’s remarks came days after the Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to quash criminal cases against protesters involved in demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party following the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak.
The court said it was taking into account the future prospects of young protesters who had participated in peaceful demonstrations to raise their demands.
The bench directed that no fresh FIR be registered in connection with the protests held between July 20 and July 25, 2026, except in circumstances permitted by the court.
The court also noted that mere participation in peaceful protests should not be treated as an offence under penal laws.
Judge Earlier Defended Students’ Right to Question
A few days earlier, Justice Bhuyan had said students should not face punitive action merely for expressing a different opinion or asking questions.
Speaking at the 13th convocation of National Law University, Delhi, he said such action would be unconstitutional and amount to misuse of power.
“When students express a different point of view, when students ask questions, they cannot be threatened with punitive action. That is unconstitutional. That is a misuse of power and office,” he had said.
