The Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking directions to give the Delhi Police a free hand to deal with protesters, observing that the future of young students participating in protests and the concerns of their families must also be considered.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the court was conscious that many of the protesters were young students and emphasised the need to ensure they were not unnecessarily drawn into prolonged legal proceedings.
“These are young students and protesters before us. We have to see their parents, we have to see they have a long life. [They should not be] entangled with court hearings etc.,” the CJI said.
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The court, however, clarified that its earlier orders granting protection did not extend to persons alleged to be hardened criminals or those accused of serious offences.
