The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea concerning alleged acts of vigilantism and threats of rape and abduction faced by a participant in the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with counsel seeking urgent intervention in view of what was described as continuing incidents targeting the protester.
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel submitted that the situation remained serious, alleging that the petitioner had been subjected to repeated acts of vigilantism as well as threats of sexual violence and abduction. The counsel also informed the Court that additional video material had emerged after the filing of the petition.
According to the submission, some of the videos were allegedly so serious that counsel expressed reluctance to describe their contents in open court.
Taking note of the urgency expressed by the petitioner, CJI Surya Kant agreed to list the matter on Tuesday. The plea is expected to be taken up alongside other petitions concerning the ongoing controversy surrounding the student protest.
The petition brings before the Supreme Court allegations concerning the safety of individuals participating in demonstrations and the alleged use of intimidation and vigilante methods against protesters.
The Court’s decision to urgently list the matter assumes significance in the broader context of the ongoing judicial scrutiny concerning protests, the right to dissent and the measures adopted by authorities and private individuals in response to demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
The petitioner has relied upon video material in support of the allegations and has urged judicial intervention against the alleged threats and acts of intimidation.
The Supreme Court is now expected to examine the grievances when the matter comes up for hearing on Tuesday.
The post Supreme Court to hear plea on alleged vigilantism, rape and abduction threats against Jantar Mantar protester appeared first on India Legal.