‘Very few complaints’ received so far on police brutality during July 20 protests, says Supreme Court

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Updated - November 05, 2026 03:15 pm IST

Police personnel using lathi charge to disperse supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during a protest march to demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

The Supreme Court, on Thursday (November 5, 2026), observed that the High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) looking into police brutality during the July 20 protests reported that “very few complaints” were received. The Action Taken Report issued on October 31 noted that none were received physically or online.

The Court allowed petitioners the liberty to forward whatever material they have, including video clips, to the HPEC for its consideration.

The apex court said the HPEC has started a new portal through which complaints could be filed anonymously.

Petitioners ask why the Delhi Police has not placed on record before HPEC information on the kind of ammunition used on the day.

The Court says HPEC may be waiting to collate all details and material before commencing an enquiry. However, the Court said HPEC has to examine material already received and start furnishing fact-finding reports without delay.

The court directed the HPEC to submit its first fact-finding report within a month, saying it cannot wait indefinitely for complaints.

The court said the relevant findings of the HPEC should ordinarily be shared with all the parties unless circumstances require confidentiality.

The matter would be taken up again in December.

On July 20, 2026, Police cracked down on a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi. The police action at one of the largest protests in the national capital in recent years left several people injured.

At least 38 of the injured were taken to the Lady Hardinge Medical College and around 65 to the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said sources., with fractures, swelling due to tear gas, and head and eye injuries.

The police swung into action amid an internet shutdown in the New Delhi district, even as CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met with Union Minister J.P. Nadda to formally seek Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

Published - November 05, 2026 02:38 pm IST

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