‘Can’t Lathicharge Just Because There Is Agitation’: Supreme Court’s Big Remark on Student Protests

The Supreme Court on Monday made it clear that the right to peaceful protest is "absolutely guaranteed" under the Constitution, underlining that police cannot resort to lathicharge merely because an agitation is underway. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a probe into the incidents of July 20, when the protesting students' Sansad Chalo march to Parliament was reportedly met with tear gas and batons.

What Did The Supreme Court Say

"The right to peaceful, lawful protest absolutely guaranteed under the Constitution. So long as it is peaceful agitation, merely because there is agitation, there can't be lathicharge," the top court said. The bench also agreed to hear a separate plea alleging that police personnel were beaten up during protests over the NEET paper leak. Greta Thunberg Joins London Protest Backing Indian Student Movement, Calls It a ‘Struggle for Democracy’ (Video).

"Police excesses must be inquired into. The government must explain why adequate gears were not provided to police who were injured in protests," the court said, adding that it will consider pan-India uniform guidelines on the issue.

What Happened On July 20

Riot police baton-charged protesters in Delhi as they attempted to march to Parliament, escalating a protest over irregularities in major examinations. Protesters ran for cover as police in riot gear charged at them near the Jantar Mantar protest site, with multiple videos from the location capturing the incident. IIT Madras Accused of Asking Students To Delete Instagram Video Supporting Jantar Mantar Protest.

The petitions before the court seek an independent investigation into the incidents, preservation of CCTV footage, body camera recordings and other electronic evidence, along with compensation for protesters found to have suffered injuries. Demonstrations at the protest site intensified after the police action and spread to other parts of the country.

Opposition Reaction In Parliament

Opposition parties, who backed the protesters, disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha, saying they would not allow any debate until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused police of using pellet guns on some protesters on July 20, after meeting an injured demonstrator in hospital.

"Thousands of youth were baton-charged, beaten, and pellet guns were used against them," he told reporters. Delhi Police has denied that its personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 protest, while the CRPF has not publicly responded to allegations involving the Rapid Action Force.

Rahul Gandhi's Fresh Allegations

On Monday, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was using extreme force, including AK-47s and pellet guns, to suppress student voices across various states. "The entire system is downright murderous against students. News is coming in that AK-47 bullets have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds of students have been arrested with FIRs being filed against them," he said in a post.

Background: The 36-Day Agitation

The 36-day Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation ended on Saturday after the government accepted key demands of the protesters and Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 11:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).