Vinay Kumar
Court, govt, cops must not send out signals that are liable to be misinterpreted by the young of the nation
Days ahead are crucial. CJP, organisers of Gen Z protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar that spread to several states, called off their stir basis assurances that no punitive action will be taken against protesters, and cases filed will be quashed. CJP sounded a note of anxiety on Monday, seeking written assurances that govts would keep their word. CJP said, thereafter, they received copies of notifications in Bihar and Assam, and assurances from Rajasthan, which “guaranteed FIR withdrawals, no action in future, and release of all detainees and those arrested.” Maharashtra and Goa are expected to follow suit. Things in Delhi are a little different. Supreme Court has allowed Delhi govt to investigate cases against protesters. FIRs hold. All minors (without criminal record) will be released. SC also barred coercive action against all protesters, while their cases are heard.
This is bound to spook many, worse, send mixed signals, or be open to misinterpretation, which is avoidable at all costs. CPJ’s leadership must step up, not be reactive. First, it can help such protesters with legal assistance, the best it can, and push Delhi Police to conclude probes super-quick, and drop cases, as promptly as FIRs were filed. Second, investigation will make it clear, if, as Centre told SC, there were “outsiders”. Third, CJP must communicate to followers day-to-day developments and keep a count of pending cases. That said, it is for courts, govt and all political parties to ensure no one remains behind bars or is harassed in the name of investigation in Delhi. SC has reiterated the democratic right to protest, and police will keep that in mind as it disposes of FIRs. Time is of essence here, for they are young people, who hit the streets to secure their future. Time is also of essence to ensure no flare-up among youth, who are following fellow protesters’ cases closely.
The key consideration for adults in the room must be that if this drags, or some over-enthusiastic cops, or their supervisors try to “teach kids a lesson”, there are real fears of sporadic protests again. No nation should ever reach a point when the very young are forced to hit the streets. Peace, post-protest, has held. The onus now is on courts, govt and police to speedily ensure fair dealing. It is CJP’s responsibility to allow them reasonable time, and lead protesters, to the last young person, peacefully out of this. As successfully, as it led them on the streets.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
