Supreme Court judge decries police assault on Jantar Mantar demonstrators
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said the police's violent handling of protesters at Jantar Mantar was deeply distressing and raised concerns about police conduct.
At a ceremony for the book "Policing the Republic," Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan condemned the July assault by Indian Police Service officers on students and other protesters at Jantar Mantar, calling it "very distressing" and a matter of grave concern. He emphasized that police can maintain order without resorting to excessive force or violating constitutional rights. Bhuyan warned that the loss of police detachment undermines the credibility of law enforcement, which the public relies on for protection.
He also raised alarm over the growing number of custodial torture cases and deaths, labeling them among the worst crimes in a civilized society. The judge urged comprehensive police reform and warned against political interference in policing. Attendees included Congress MP P Chidambaram and former Maharashtra DGP D Sivanandhan.
Why it matters
The judge's remarks spotlight police misconduct and the need for reforms to protect constitutional rights in India.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the Supreme Court judge’s criticism of the police assault, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes the distress and need for reform, while centrist coverage highlights the assault’s threat to respect for law and constitutional professionalism.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the story as a condemnation of police brutality, stressing the distress caused to demonstrators and calling for comprehensive police reform.
CENTER
Center coverage frames the story as a rebuke of police conduct that threatens respect for law, emphasizing constitutional standards and professional integrity.
The left emphasises
- "very distressing"
- need for police reform
- warning against political interference
In this story
