The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a batch of 46 petitions concerning the recent Delhi protests, police action against demonstrators, journalists’ rights and the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi examined the overlapping issues and considered the concerns raised by the petitioners.
Instead of issuing blanket directions, the court grouped related matters, issued notices to relevant statutory bodies and directed the preservation of digital evidence.
The proceedings also included observations concerning press freedom and the dignity of judicial institutions.
The petitions cover several contentious issues, including police restrictions during protests, the treatment of demonstrators and questions surrounding the electoral roll revision exercise.
The hearing brings these issues before the country’s highest court as political parties and civil society groups continue to raise concerns over the functioning of democratic institutions.
Further proceedings are expected to clarify the court’s approach to the various petitions and the responses sought from the authorities concerned.