The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to reconstitute the High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) investigating allegations linked to police action during the NEET-UG protests. The court said the committee should first proceed with its inquiry into allegations involving pellet guns, violence and harassment of women protesters. The five-member panel was formed to examine claims of excessive force as well as violence against police and damage to public property. The court also stressed that the committee was created after considering the expertise and experience of its members.Why Did SC Retain The Panel?The Supreme Court declined requests to change the composition of the HPEC after concerns were raised about some members of the committee. The bench said the objections were based on assumptions and that the panel had not yet completed its inquiry. The committee will function under the court’s supervision while examining evidence from the protests and related incidents. The court has also directed authorities to provide relevant records to the panel.The HPEC has five members and is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy.The committee is examining allegations of excessive police force during the protests.Pellet-gun use and alleged violence against women protesters are among its priority issues.Evidence such as CCTV, drone footage and body-camera recordings is to be preserved and provided.The court has asked the committee to submit its first interim report at the earliest.How Was The HPEC Formed?The Supreme Court constituted the HPEC after petitions raised allegations of excessive and disproportionate force during student demonstrations connected with the NEET-UG paper-leak controversy. The allegations included the use of pellet guns, lathis, tear gas and electric batons, along with claims of serious injuries. Authorities and representatives of injured police personnel have also presented allegations of violence by protesters.The committee is headed by Justice R Subhash Reddy, with former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Shalinder Kaur, former CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla and retired Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi as members. Its mandate covers police conduct, protester violence, surveillance, medical support, compensation and other related issues.Pellet Guns Among Priority IssuesIn the latest proceedings, the Supreme Court made clear that the inquiry should move forward rather than be delayed by demands to change the committee. The HPEC has been directed to give priority to allegations involving pellet guns and targeted violence, harassment or molestation of female protesters. The panel will also examine injuries suffered by police personnel and damage to public property.The court has directed police, paramilitary forces and other agencies to preserve and hand over relevant records, including CCTV footage, drone footage, body-worn camera recordings, videos, wireless communication records and PCR logs. These materials are intended to assist the committee in assessing the competing claims surrounding the protests.Key HighlightsSupreme Court refused to reconstitute the five-member HPEC.Justice R Subhash Reddy is heading the committee.Pellet-gun use is among the priority issues for investigation.Allegations involving female protesters will receive focused examination.Records from police and security agencies must be preserved and supplied.The HPEC has been asked to submit its first interim report at the earliest.Probe To Continue Under SCThe Supreme Court’s latest order keeps the existing HPEC intact and allows its investigation to proceed. The committee will examine allegations from both sides, including claims concerning police conduct and violence against security personnel. The court will consider the committee’s findings while dealing with the wider issues arising from the NEET-UG protests. The next stages of the matter will depend on the evidence gathered and the committee’s reports.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and general news-information purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice.
