No prosecution for teens posting abuse, community service suggested
Supreme Court agrees to urgent hearing on plea by retired Air Force officer's lawyer, Rizwan Ahmed.
Instead of prosecuting minor students who used objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they should be engaged in community service. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition filed by lawyer Rizwan Ahmed on behalf of a retired Air Force officer related to this matter. The petition also raises the issue of criminal cases filed against minors and youths who posted abusive videos on social media. Lawyer Rizwan Ahmed stated that there is a need to reform such behaviour, but prosecuting them is not the solution.
He said,
"Unfortunately, some boys and girls are using extremely derogatory and indecent language. They are making such videos and posting them on social media, leading to FIRs being filed. Social media is becoming a battleground for ugly fights."
He further said,
"There should be a uniform policy that they be sent for at least seven days of community service and then released. But FIRs should not be filed against them. This will only create more bitterness in society. This is the immediate need of the matter."
According to a report by Live Law, the Supreme Court has agreed to list the matter for hearing.
The lawyer urged the Supreme Court to formulate a uniform policy for the entire country, under which minors should be engaged in at least seven days of community service and then released, instead of filing criminal cases against them.
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a petition seeking action against the organisers of the July 20 Parliament march for inciting violence.
The petitioner's lawyer told the court that despite the government's response, the organisers of the July 20 protest are continuously making provocative statements. He said that the government has adopted a very lenient stance, yet the organisers are adding fuel to the fire. They are spreading bitterness in society by making irresponsible statements. Therefore, the accountability of the organisers should also be fixed."
The petition also demands the formulation of a uniform national policy regarding arrests and FIRs filed after the July 20 protest. The petitioner claims that different states have adopted different approaches in withdrawing FIRs and cases of arrest, leading to uncertainty and public discontent.
The lawyer told the court,
"Different states are issuing different notifications regarding arrests and FIRs. This is a matter of national importance and there should be a uniform policy on this. These notifications are creating discontent among the peace-loving citizens of the country."
Earlier, in this context, the Supreme Court on Monday also agreed to consider a public interest litigation stating that Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable place for protests. The court said that it causes inconvenience to local residents and disrupts essential services.
Needless to say, the democratic and peaceful movement of students and protesters over the exam paper leak, which lasted for more than a month, has weakened the Modi government from within. This is why, after police repression, the government is now trying to suppress the voice of protest in the country by increasing pressure on constitutional institutions.
The bench headed by Chief Justice, comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, issued notices to the central government and other parties on a petition filed by Satish Chand Kaushik to permanently ban protests at Jantar Mantar. The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions from the concerned authorities on the issues raised in the petition.
The petition seeks alternative arrangements for organising protests. It states that protests at Jantar Mantar cause difficulties for local residents and affect the supply of essential goods and medical services. During the hearing, the Chief Justice said that the petition raises concerns related to access and movement in the area.