SC judge condemns police brutality at Jantar Mantar, underscores constitutional rights of protesters

Hindustan Times - India · 5 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed dismay over police assault on protesters at Jantar Mantar, emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful protest and the need for police reform to uphold rule of law.

Key points

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticized police brutality against protesters at Jantar Mantar, calling it 'distressing' and a 'grave concern' for democratic governance.

The remarks were made during the launch of 'Policing the Republic' by former security secretary Yashovardhan Azad, highlighting institutional concerns over police conduct.

Justice Bhuyan stressed that police must maintain detachment and professionalism, adhering to constitutional principles and avoiding excessive force.

He linked the incident to broader issues of custodial torture and deaths, describing them as among the worst crimes in a civilized society.

The judge reiterated that punishing students for asking questions or holding different views is unconstitutional and a misuse of power, reinforcing free speech protections under Article 19(1)(a).

[GS2-Governance] This connects to police reforms under the Prakash Singh case (2006), which mandated measures like fixed tenures for officers and separation of law enforcement from political interference.

[GS4-Ethics] The incident raises ethical questions about police accountability and the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil liberties.

Way Forward: India should implement the Supreme Court's directives in the Prakash Singh case more rigorously, establish independent police complaint authorities, and incorporate human rights training in police academies to prevent such incidents.

Key terms

Article 19(1)(a)

Guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under the Indian Constitution. It allows citizens to voice opinions and protest peacefully, subject to reasonable restrictions like public order and morality. Critical for UPSC as it forms the basis for many governance and polity questions.

Prakash Singh case (2006)

A landmark Supreme Court judgment that outlined seven directives for police reforms, including fixed tenures for DGP, separation of investigation and law enforcement, and establishing police complaint authorities. Crucial for GS2 questions on police accountability and governance reforms.

Jantar Mantar

A designated protest site in New Delhi under the Delhi Police Act, symbolizing India's democratic right to dissent. Its management often tests the balance between public order and constitutional rights, making it relevant for GS2 governance and polity topics.

Custodial torture

Physical or mental abuse by law enforcement officials during detention, prohibited under Article 21 (Right to Life). The UN Convention Against Torture, which India has signed but not ratified, adds geopolitical dimension to this GS2/GS4 topic.