Supreme Court orders swift inquiry into police action during July 20 Delhi protest

Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the High Powered Enquiry Committee to start issuing fact‑finding reports on police violence from the July 20 protest without further delay. The court noted that the committee’s Action Taken Report dated Oct 31 said it had received virtually no complaints, neither in person nor online, about the police crackdown. Petitioners were given permission to send any evidence they hold, including video footage, directly to the committee for review. In response, the HPEC has opened a new online portal that allows anonymous submissions. The petitioners also asked why Delhi police have not yet supplied the committee with details on the type of ammunition used during the lathi‑charge and tear‑gas deployment. The court observed that the committee may be waiting to gather all material before launching a full enquiry, but it must not postpone the reporting process. On July 20, 2026, Delhi police used force to disperse a rally organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, one of the biggest demonstrations in the capital in recent years. The operation left dozens injured: at least 38 were taken to Lady Hardinge Medical College and about 65 to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, with many suffering fractures, tear‑gas swelling, and head or eye injuries. The police action unfolded while the city faced an internet shutdown, and CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister J.P. Nadda to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Context

The High Powered Enquiry Committee is a special body set up by the Delhi government to investigate allegations of police misconduct. Its new portal aims to make it easier for victims and witnesses to lodge complaints, especially when public communication channels are restricted.