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29 July 2026

Supreme Court inquiry into student protests

The topic addresses critical governance issues regarding police accountability, the use of force, and judicial oversight, which are core themes in GS2 and GS3 syllabus.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Supreme Court (SC) is considering a high-powered independent inquiry into allegations of police excesses during recent student protests.
  • SC interim order: Immediate release of all minors arrested; police restrained from coercive action against students unless they have criminal antecedents.
  • SC directed authorities to preserve all evidence including CCTV, drone footage, body-worn cameras, and PCR records.
  • Delhi Police used pellet guns against protesters on July 20; RAF diary confirms firing of two rounds of plastic pellets on DCP orders.
  • Status of Policing in India Report 2025: Over 70% of police personnel support using force without fear of punishment; 55% believe in using 'tough methods' to create public fear.
  • Legal framework: BNSS allows force to disperse unlawful assemblies only after orders are disobeyed; NHRC guidelines mandate persuasion and minimum force.
  • Prakash Singh (2006) and Ramlila Maidan (2012) judgments emphasize the need to insulate police from political influence and ensure accountability.
  • Seventh Schedule: Policing is a State subject, leading to variations in training, equipment, and escalation protocols across States.
  • Concerns raised regarding the use of facial recognition and retina scanning for surveillance of protesters at public sites.
  • Discrepancies noted in NCRB data regarding injuries during police operations compared to independent reports.

Questions

  1. Discuss the constitutional and legal safeguards governing the use of force by police during public protests in India. How can the principle of proportionality be balanced with the state's duty to maintain public order? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The 2006 Supreme Court judgment in the Prakash Singh case highlighted the dangers of political control over the police. In the context of recent civil unrest, evaluate the need for a national protocol for crowd control and the institutional challenges in ensuring police accountability and independence. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which of the following is the primary subject matter of 'Police'?

  2. Which of the following bodies is responsible for issuing guidelines on human rights for police officers regarding the use of force?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-29/supreme-court-inquiry-into-student-protests