SC told portal ready for July student protest violence complaints

New Delhi: A complaints portal to enable protesters and police personnel to submit grievances and evidence relating to violence during the July student protests is ready for launch, a high-powered enquiry committee (HPEC) informed the Supreme Court.

The committee, constituted by the apex court to independently investigate allegations of violence during demonstrations over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in the education system, said public notices would be published in major newspapers after the portal is launched to inform stakeholders about the facility.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, perused the committee's status report and directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide all necessary infrastructure and facilities to enable it to discharge its responsibilities effectively.


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National Informatics Centre has been engaged to design and develop the portal. The committee has provided two separate templates for receiving complaints - one for aggrieved protesters and another for police personnel who claim to have suffered injuries or other harm during the demonstrations.

Emphasising the need to protect complainants and witnesses, the committee said the portal must ensure anonymity and confidentiality of complaints, evidence and statements, particularly to safeguard vulnerable witnesses.

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The bench directed that the portal be developed in accordance with the committee's requirements and that all prescribed witness-protection measures be incorporated. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta assured the court that any outstanding facilities would be provided without delay.

The committee had sought infrastructure support from MHA to ensure its smooth functioning. The court directed the ministry to extend the necessary assistance. The committee has been tasked with examining allegations of excessive and disproportionate force by police and paramilitary personnel against protesters, as well as claims of violence by demonstrators.