SCBA President Demands Inquiry into Police Brutality Against Student Protesters, Calls for Delhi Police Commissioner’s Suspension
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi,22, July,2026– In a significant development, Vikas Singh, Senior Advocate and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), has formally appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Ministry. His letter demands a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the alleged disproportionate use of force by police during recent ‘Chalo Sansad’ student protests and calls for the immediate suspension of the Delhi Police Commissioner.
“Self-Inflicted and Disproportionate Narratives of Police Injuries: While claims have been circulated that between 50 and 118 police personnel sustained injuries during the demonstration, there is a complete absence of verifiable evidence to substantiate these assertions. Not a single video shows any police officer being struck by protesters. On the contrary, detailed ground investigations and unedited footage consistently reveal that the injuries allegedly suffered by law enforcement personnel arose primarily from self-induced stampedes, tactical mismanagement, and chaotic forward charges initiated by the police themselves while attempting to break through their own heavy barricades and forcibly disperse a peaceful assembly. (Evidentiary Links enlisted below)”
Singh’s letter meticulously details instances of police excesses, including assaults on advocates peacefully participating in the demonstrations.
Notably, he highlighted an incident where Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde’s son was reportedly beaten by police.
The letter also references numerous news reports detailing the use of force against minors and women, deployment of tear gas and riot control measures, and obstruction of journalists attempting to document these violations.
Expressing grave concern, Singh asserted that such suppression of protesters, coupled with the use of force against those providing medical and humanitarian aid and journalists, signifies a
“terrifying” collapse of executive restraints and a complete breakdown of constitutional order.
He specifically cited Section 148 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which prohibits the use of force as a first resort in cases of unlawful assemblies, suggesting a clear violation by law enforcement.
Furthermore, Singh pointed out that the police actions appear to contravene administrative rules and the Delhi Police Manual.
He highlighted instances of lathi charges (baton charges) above the waist, which are in violation of statutory mandates, and the failure of police officers on public-order duty to display their name plates.
“The apex court of the country has consistently held that the police force must be minimal, preventive, and never punitive, and that violence against citizens “peacefully” exercising their rights under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(b) is unconstitutional.
The law of the land is absolutely clear that while limited force may sometimes be necessary, any excess, especially force beyond what is absolutely required, amounts to human rights violation.”
The SCBA President urged for a time-bound inquiry, to be led by a Supreme Court judge, to investigate the unprovoked use of force on protesters and address broader issues such as paper leaks and examination irregularities.
“To uphold constitutional governance, reinforce the rule of law, and restore public confidence in state institutions, I earnestly urge you to address the following: 1. Judicial Enquiry by Credible Judge of the Supreme Court: Constitute a time-bound Judicial Commission headed by a ‘credible’ sitting or retired Supreme Court Judge under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 to examine the unprovoked police violence, investigate paper-leak networks, and determine institutional liabilities for the compounded issues at hand.
2. Suspension of Police Commissioner Immediately: Order the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Police in Delhi to facilitate a fair and impartial enquiry.
3. Action against Persons Responsible for Unprovoked Lathi-Charge: Direct immediate registration of FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and initiate action against field officers and other government personnel who violated statutory procedures and police manuals.
4. Fixation of Administrative Accountability for Ministry of Education: Ensure clear administrative responsibility is fixed on the Ministry of Education for chronic lapses in safeguarding the security and sanctity of national competitive examinations, and initiate appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures for bringing back the trust of students in the examination process.”
He underscored the necessity of suspending the Delhi Police Commissioner immediately.
Singh argued that student protests are a direct consequence of chronic institutional failures within state examination bodies, which jeopardize equal opportunities and the livelihoods of students.
He drew attention to the alarming rate of student suicides, often linked to academic pressure, career uncertainty, and disruptions in competitive examinations.
“When no authority accepts accountability for lost years, squandered opportunities, and lives derailed at the mercy of those in power, young citizens are left with no recourse but to lose entirely or to peacefully take to the streets to demand basic institutional integrity,”
To support his claims, Singh referenced videos from YouTuber Samdish and reports from prominent media outlets including The News laundry, The Wire, and The Scroll, all documenting the police action.
The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association have also issued statements condemning the use of force and calling for an independent probe.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal has similarly denounced the police actions and called for an independent investigation.
This strong stance by the SCBA President underscores a growing demand for accountability and justice in the wake of the recent student protests.
