SC to hear plea by CJP protest participant alleging rape and abduction threats

The Supreme Court on Friday (August 14) agreed to list a petition on Friday ( August 14) filed by a woman who participated in the Cockroach Janata Party- (CJP) led protests in Delhi alleging that she was being threatened with rape and abduction.

Plea cites threats

The counsel of the petitioner orally mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, stating that there was “urgency” considering the ongoing instances of vigilantism and threats of rape and murder.

Also Read: SC to hear plea against Delhi Police’s use of ‘facial recognition’ at CJP protest

"The urgency is continuous acts of vigilantism, threats of rape and abduction. We have already put videos on record. Some videos have come to our notice after filing the petition, which are so bad that I can't even probably mention in open court," stated the counsel as quoted by Live Law.

The CJI agreed to list the petition on Tuesday (August 18) along with other matters related to the student protest.

"We will list it on Tuesday along with the other matters," the CJI said as quoted by the Bar and Bench.

Backdrop of student protests

The petition comes against the backdrop of a series of legal challenges linked to the CJP-led student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The agitation began over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for accountability in the conduct of national entrance tests.

Also Read: CJP seeks withdrawal of FIRs against protesters after SC's clarification

As the protests gathered support from student groups and activists, several allegations emerged regarding police action against demonstrators during attempts to march towards Parliament.

Multiple legal challenges

Recently, courts have been approached on multiple issues connected to the protests, including claims of police excesses, surveillance of demonstrators and restrictions on public assemblies.

Also Read: Why CJI’s dismissal of CJP protest crackdown plea exposes gaps in suo motu rules

Petitioners have alleged instances of force being used against protesters, while Delhi Police has maintained that measures adopted at the protest site were aimed at preserving law and order.

Protection against coercive action

The Supreme Court has already heard a batch of matters arising from the protests and issued interim directions for the preservation of CCTV footage, drone recordings and other electronic evidence.

The Court also directed that personal data collected from protesters should not be disclosed and granted protection against coercive action for students without criminal antecedents.