New Delhi, March 8: The Rouse Avenue Court has raised serious concerns regarding the charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police in connection with the DMK’s protest against the UGC’s draft regulations at Jantar Mantar in February 2025.
The court accused the police of hastily filing the charge sheet against 11 individuals, including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Kanimozhi, and A. Raja.
Judges expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s previous responses and demanded a more detailed report. They reminded the police that several questions were posed in an order dated February 19, but instead of answering, the police requested additional time for further investigation.
The court questioned how Section 223(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was applied when Jantar Mantar is a designated area for protests. It also noted that the police failed to explain why the investigating officer did not notify all accused individuals to participate in the inquiry.
Furthermore, the court stated that the Station House Officer (SHO) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) did not clarify what investigations they conducted before filing the charge sheet. The court remarked that the investigating officer did not fulfill their responsibilities and applied for further investigation without presenting new evidence or facts. The court made it clear that the police must provide explanations on these matters before considering any requests for additional time.
The court also instructed that a certified copy of this order and the previous order dated February 19 be sent to the Delhi Police Commissioner to inform them of the negligence of the investigating officer, SHO, and ACP.
This case pertains to the protest organized by the DMK at Jantar Mantar against the UGC’s draft regulations in February 2025. The police had registered a case against several prominent opposition leaders involved in the protest. The court’s remarks have intensified scrutiny on the Delhi Police regarding their investigation process. In the next hearing, the police will need to provide solid answers to these questions.
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