Delhi Police Responds to Allegations of Surveillance at CJP Protests
The Delhi Police has firmly rejected claims of intrusive surveillance at the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests at Jantar Mantar, as brought forth in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by former JNU Students’ Union President and CPI(M) leader Aishe Ghosh. The case, titled Aishe Ghosh v. Union of India & Anr, is being heard by a Bench comprised of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia in the Delhi High Court.
Police Clarify Stance on Videography
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the police’s position, clarifying that any recording conducted by law enforcement is primarily for maintaining law and order. Mehta emphasized that such activities are routine, with numerous individuals capturing videos during protests. “This [recording/ videography by police] is only for the purpose of law and order. There is no snooping. There is no surveillance,” he stated.
Court Seeks Clarity on SOPs for Protest Management
The court has sought clarity on whether any standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines exist for managing protests and hunger strikes, referencing the Supreme Court’s guidance in the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan vs Union of India case of 2018. The Delhi High Court requested a response regarding the establishment of such protocols.
Concerns Over Privacy and Dignity
The CJP protests were initiated to address repeated exam paper leaks and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Ghosh’s PIL argues that the Delhi Police engaged in persistent photographing and videographing of protesters without statutory authority or procedural safeguards. The surveillance allegedly covered routine activities and included a permanent surveillance tower at the protest site.
Allegations of Intimidation and Privacy Intrusions
Ghosh’s plea further alleges that police intimidation included threats to send protesters’ images to parents and educational institutions, discouraging participation. Female protesters were reportedly filmed in wet clothing during rain due to insufficient shelter, which the plea argues represents a severe intrusion into personal privacy and dignity.
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Legal Basis and Data Management in Question
During the hearing, Ghosh’s counsel questioned the legal basis for the surveillance and sought clarification on the management and protection of collected data. They asked, “The data they have collected since June 20. How will they dispose it of, how will it be protected? Is there a committee to see it? Can any police officer just be using it for any purpose?”
Demands for Oversight and Transparency
Ghosh’s plea demands immediate suspension of the alleged surveillance, disclosure of its legal basis, establishment of data-retention protocols, preservation of surveillance records pending adjudication, and the formulation of comprehensive guidelines for policing peaceful assemblies. An independent committee is also sought to evaluate the surveillance’s impact on the right to dissent. Advocates Subhash Chandran KR and Anirudh K P are representing Ghosh in this matter.
The Delhi High Court is expected to continue hearing the case, focusing on the legality and implications of police actions at the CJP protests.
