The Supreme Court has rejected a plea to reconstitute a five-member high-powered committee investigating alleged police excesses during a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana, stated that the allegations against the panel were based on 'conjecture and preconceived notions' and that the committee was formed with the highest standards of fairness and transparency.

The committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge R Subhash Reddy, was established to examine claims of police violence against student protesters during the July 20 protest and incidents of violence against security personnel. The court directed the committee to proceed with its inquiry into the use of pellet guns, targeted violence, harassment of female protesters, and destruction of property. It also emphasized the need for confidentiality in handling statements from vulnerable witnesses and requested the committee to appoint a member secretary to assist with logistical support.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing petitioners seeking reconstitution, alleged that one of the committee members—a former DGP of a northeastern state—had a 'conflict of interest' due to his friendship with a high functionary under investigation. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan supported Bhushan's concerns. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the reconstitution, urging the court to disregard the allegations.

The court reiterated that the committee was formed with a 'wide variety of considerations,' including the expertise and experience of its members. The panel comprises former Punjab and Haryana High Court chief justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Shalinder Kaur, former CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla, and retired Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi. The bench expressed confidence that the committee's recommendations would be 'of invaluable assistance' to the court.

The CJP-led protest, which began at Jantar Mantar on June 20, saw clashes between protesters and security personnel using lathis and teargas shells. The agitation was called off on July 25 after then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted the CJP's other demands. The court's order was issued on September 10 and uploaded online on September 12.

The court's decision to maintain the panel's composition underscores its stance that the allegations of bias are speculative and lack concrete evidence. The inquiry continues with measures to protect vulnerable witnesses and ensure confidentiality. The full findings of the committee remain pending.