Supreme Court rejects PIL seeking 'free hand' for Delhi Police against student protesters

The Supreme Court on October 9, 2026 rejected a PIL by L Ramanathan that sought directions allowing the Delhi Police to function independently without judicial interference and an investigation into FIRs registered against student protesters after the July demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said young protesters "should not be entangled with court hearings", and that their future and their parents' concerns must be weighed. The court noted the requested relief would effectively review its earlier September 1 order quashing the FIRs against the student protesters under Article 142. Reported by LiveMint and Moneycontrol. (Livemint, Moneycontrol)

• The Supreme Court on October 9, 2026 rejected a PIL by L Ramanathan that sought directions allowing the Delhi Police to function independently without judicial interference and an investigation into FIRs registered again
• A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said young protesters "should not be entangled with court hearings", and that their future and their parents' concerns must be weighed.
• The court noted the requested relief would effectively review its earlier September 1 order quashing the FIRs against the student protesters under Article 142.