Friday’s hearing saw Chief Justice Surya Kant dismiss a petition from L Ramanathan that sought to grant the Delhi Police a "free hand" to confront student demonstrators. The petition invoked Article 142 to quash FIRs against the protesters and was backed by advocate Mathew Nedumpara.
The court emphasized that many of those arrested were students whose futures and families were at stake. CJI Surya Kant warned against prolonged court proceedings for young protesters, noting that not all orders are 100% correct.
He clarified that the protection granted by earlier orders does not extend to individuals alleged to be hardened criminals or those accused of serious offences. CJI referenced incidents in Himachal Pradesh and the COVID crisis to justify restraint, and reminded that FIRs in cases involving legislators or parliamentarians were not quashed.
The Supreme Court has yet to hear the main batch of petitions in the case. A hearing on the principal petitions is scheduled for 12 November, after which the court will decide whether the police can act without judicial oversight.
The ruling underscores the court’s caution over police overreach amid student protests that have sparked nationwide debate. Delhi Police, meanwhile, face mounting criticism for heavy‑handed tactics during recent demonstrations.