The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider a plea seeking action against the organisers of the July 20 student protest in Delhi, alleging that they continued to make inflammatory statements and thereby contributed to tensions surrounding the agitation.
The petition also seeks a uniform approach towards minors accused of posting abusive or derogatory content against the Prime Minister on social media, proposing community service instead of criminal prosecution in such cases.
The plea was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant by advocate Rizwan Ahmed,appearing for a retired Air Force officer who has approached the Court.
Seeking accountability of the protest organisers, counsel submitted that despite the government’s response to the situation, statements allegedly capable of aggravating social tensions continued to be made.
The petitioner has also sought formulation of a nationwide policy governing arrests and registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) arising from the aftermath of the July 20 protest. It was argued that varying approaches adopted by different States, including differing decisions concerning FIRs and arrests, had created uncertainty and discontent.
According to the plea, a uniform framework is required to ensure consistency in the manner in which law-enforcement agencies deal with cases arising from the protest.
The petition additionally raises concerns regarding the registration of criminal cases against young persons, including minors, for allegedly uploading abusive videos or making objectionable statements on social media.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that while such conduct may warrant corrective measures, resorting to criminal prosecution against minors could prove counterproductive and potentially intensify social discord.
As an alternative, the plea proposes that minors found responsible for such conduct should be required to undertake community service for a specified period rather than being subjected to FIRs and criminal proceedings.
The suggested measure includes at least seven days of community service, which the petitioner contends could serve a corrective and rehabilitative purpose without exposing young persons to the consequences of criminal prosecution.
The plea has thus sought a uniform national policy addressing the treatment of minors accused of abusive social-media posts, particularly in circumstances where their conduct falls short of warranting criminal proceedings.
The Supreme Court agreed to list the matter for hearing either on Tuesday or the following day.
The plea comes against the backdrop of the July 20 student agitation in Delhi, following which questions have been raised over the handling of protesters, police action and the subsequent registration of criminal cases.
The petitioner’s submissions before the apex court seek to place both the conduct of protest organisers and the treatment of young social-media users within a broader framework of accountability, consistency in criminal-law enforcement and corrective justice.
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