Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Protesters' Police Action Plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to urgently hear a petition challenging the action taken by Delhi Police against student protesters during demonstrations over the examination paper leak issue.

The petition alleged that police used excessive force against students participating in the protest and sought immediate judicial intervention. The petitioners argued that the demonstrators were exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest and that the police response violated their fundamental rights.

The matter was mentioned before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant. However, the Bench refused to list the case for immediate hearing. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice remarked to the lawyer mentioning the matter that neither the Court's time nor the lawyer's own time should be wasted by seeking urgent listing without sufficient grounds.

According to the petition, several student protesters were allegedly pushed, detained, and subjected to force during the protest. The petitioners sought an independent inquiry into the police action, compensation and relief for affected students, and guidelines to safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters in the future.

The Court, however, clarified that not every matter qualifies for urgent listing and that judicial procedures must be followed before a case is taken up. The refusal to grant an urgent hearing does not amount to dismissal of the petition, which may still be listed in the ordinary course.

The development has triggered discussions among student groups and civil society regarding the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Authorities maintain that police action is carried out in accordance with law to preserve public order whenever required.

The case is now expected to proceed through the regular listing process, where the Court may examine the allegations and legal issues raised in the petition at a later stage.