Delhi Police tells SC facial recognition at Jantar Mantar protest targeted only known criminals

New Delhi: Delhi Police told SC on Tuesday that its personnel used "maximum restraint but minimum required force" and that the facial recognition software deployed during student protests at Jantar Mantar over examination paper leaks only captured the images of criminals or history-sheeters.

The Delhi Police submitted this in an affidavit sworn by DCP Sachin Sharma, which stated the crowd turned violent and breached many layers of barricades in bid to march towards Parliament.

On facial recognition software, Delhi Police said that the use of the technology was a proportionate policing measure. The affidavit said the software does not automatically capture the profiles of every individual present at the protest site, nor is it deployed for indiscriminate surveillance or collection of personal information of peaceful protesters unless they have a previous criminal record.


The affidavit has been filed in response to petitions alleging police excesses against Cockroach Janta Party and other protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told a three-member bench headed by CJI Surya Kant that the technology captures the faces of only those persons whose details are recorded in the crime database.

The affidavit further claims that no action is taken solely on the basis of facial recognition software. Field verification is also carried out to ascertain whether the person in question was present at the site. Detailing the sequence of events, the affidavit said although permission for a dharna was granted only for June 20, post 5 pm, the protesters did not vacate the venue.

The affidavit added the agitation escalated after a call was given for a march towards Parliament on July 20. It further said "permission was neither sought nor granted for any 'Chalo Sansad' march" and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS had been in force in New Delhi since June 21.