New Delhi : On Thursday, the Supreme Court took serious cognizance of allegations that a 14-year-old girl linked to the protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was intimidated and that stones were pelted at her home.

A bench led by the Chief Justice (CJI) stated that allegations regarding the intimidation of a minor cannot be taken lightly. The bench emphasized that no individual can be permitted to intimidate a victim or their family to influence criminal proceedings.

The bench, comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, orally sought status reports from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi regarding the FIR, security arrangements for the minor and her family, and the action taken against those allegedly involved in the assault and intimidation.

The bench also directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that appropriate action is taken on the girl’s FIR and that she is provided with adequate security.

The matter came before the Court during a hearing concerning student protests, when a lawyer highlighted the concerns of the 14-year-old girl. He mentioned that an individual had recently boasted in a video about attacking the girl’s father during the CJP protest. That individual, Swatantra Bhardwaj, was subsequently arrested and remanded to custody.

Without naming anyone, the lawyer said, “An individual has admitted in a video, while boasting, that he committed the act. Instead of taking action against those accompanying him, an FIR has been registered against the child. This is in violation of this Court’s order. We want the UP government and the NCT government of Delhi to respond to this.” He further stated, “An FIR regarding this has been registered at the Parliament Street Police Station. We can provide video evidence showing that stones were pelted at his home. A committee inquiry will take time. If any untoward incident befalls the child, the damage will be irreversible.”

Taking the allegation seriously, the CJI remarked, “If there are anti-social elements who have committed violence against the child and are roaming freely attempting to intimidate him then this is a serious matter. This is a legitimate grievance; there can be no two opinions about it.”

Addressing the Solicitor General, the CJI said, “A child is, after all, a child. Measures can be taken for the child’s safety. The local police could treat this incident as a separate case.”

SG Mehta stated that he had learned about the matter through the child’s social media posts. The lawyer pointed out that there are videos showing four police personnel alongside the miscreants who attacked the protesters, yet no action has been taken against them.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi told the SG, “We want immediate action taken on that FIR, and we want the UP Police to provide police protection to the victim and his family. The investigation should be conducted by the Parliament Street Police Station.”

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)