Court Orders Immediate Release Of Detained Protesters And Medical Examination; Matter Adjourned Till today Noon
Sunil Negi
New Delhi, Oct 11:
In a late evening development, a Delhi court ordered immediate release of all protesters detained during the 10th October anti-CEC agitation at Jantar Mantar and directed their medical examination.
The order came after strong arguments presented by Senior Advocate Norma Alvares and her legal team who appeared for the detained students, journalists and Gen Z protestors.
Adv. Alvares argued that detentions were illegal, in violation of Article 19, 21 and 22 of Constitution, no grounds of arrest were supplied, families were not informed for hours, and many including women and college girls had injuries due to manhandling, forcible lifting and bundling into buses.
Taking note of submissions, the Court ordered:
1. Immediate release of all detained protesters still in custody at Yamuna Sports Complex, Chhatrasal Stadium, Bawana and other detention centres.
2. Medical examination of all injured protesters by a board of doctors at RML, LNJP and other government hospitals, with MLC to be prepared. The Court said allegations of sexual assault on a woman journalist Rosy, choking of MP John Brittas, and manhandling of women must be examined.
3. Written replies* from Delhi Police Commissioner, DCP New Delhi, and Union Home Secretary on illegal detentions and use of central forces.
4. Medical report to be submitted along with replies.
The matter has been adjourned until tomorrow, 12th October at 12 noon, for submission of written replies and medical report.
Adv. Norma Alvares told media outside court, “The Court has recognized that peaceful protest is not a crime. You cannot detain thousands like cattle, close 45 metro stations, shut internet and call it law and order. Our team will ensure every injured person gets justice.”
The order is seen as a continuation of Supreme Court’s Sunday rebuke where Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana ordered removal of all barricades, restoration of internet and metro, and issued contempt notice to Delhi Police Commissioner, Home Secretary and DMRC.
More than 2,000 detentions were reported on Oct 10 during Cockroach Janata Party’s call for resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged deletion of 13.3 crore voters through SIR.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) MP John Brittas continues to be under observation at RML Hospital after alleged assault at Connaught Place.
