CJP protests on 11th October: Court weighs in as Dipke and Dhruv Rathee speak out against police

Delhi: Protests resume as students demand Kumar’s resignation

Protests against the electoral roll revision and calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resumed in Delhi on Sunday. Students and activists gathered at several venues demanding the removal of Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Protesters were arrested by police, including journalists reporting on the unfolding events. The All India Students’ Association alleged that some protesters were assaulted inside police vehicles. The immediate leadership of the CJP also spent the weekend in police custody. Dipke, along with other party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, was released on a bond of good behaviour by a Special Executive Magistrate. They were ordered to remain silent for one year. Dipke stated that it would not stop the movement.

Dipke’s grandmother’s death: Police release video

One of the most anticipated developments of the weekend involved police responding to concerns raised by Dipke’s mother Anita regarding her son’s knowledge of his grandmother’s death.

Delhi Police shared a video record of conversation with Dipke while he was in police custody. Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav stated that officers advised him that they could facilitate contact with his family and help him reach his grandmother’s residence for the last rites. According to the police, the offer was declined by Dipke.

However, Dipke reacted negatively to the claims, suggesting that he repeatedly asked to use a phone to text his family members and a lawyer but was refused. He also questioned the circumstances in which officers asked to contact his father at night.

The controversy broke out after Anita expressed concern that her son may not have been properly informed and that his requests for a phone had been denied.

The video record shows the conversation between police and Dipke, illustrating one party’s account of the encounter. It does not clarify whether Dipke was allowed to use a phone, contact a lawyer and family members and whether police assistance was declined.

The controversy revolves around the right of a detainee to be informed of a close relative’s death and the right to use a phone for communication with family members, lawyers and others.

Dhruv Rathee: ‘I was abducted ’

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee also shared his account of being picked up by police during the weekend. In a video record, he stated that about 20 persons in plain clothes came to his Gurugram residence early on Saturday, 10 October, and took him away without informing who they were.

He alleged that he was kept in several police stations without contacting his lawyer or being allowed to use his phone for about 22-23 hours. He also stated that he was assaulted during the ordeal.

His account was shared by India Today and serves as a reminder of the controversy over the arrests of persons associated with the CJP rally. His version of events is one of several that fuel the controversy over the weekend, while police investigations are ongoing. The term “kidnapped” is also used in the video record, indicating that the YouTuber does not consider his arrest as a lawful detention. The allegations concern the circumstances in which he was taken to police custody as well as his access to legal counsel. Those allegations should be evaluated within the context of evidence gathered by police.

Supreme Court acts as protests enter second week

The Supreme Court convened for a special weekend session to hear complaints of restrictions on movement and arbitrary arrests. It directed police to ensure that peaceful protesters are not subjected to unlawful detention and directed authorities to resume Metro operations.

The court expressed concern with the closure of internet services but noted that they could be reinstalled if law-and-order conditions permitted. It also received assurances regarding the freedom of lawyers and journalists to report on and document the unfolding events. It issued notices to the Centre in the wake of reports of violations of earlier directions concerning the Metro. The interventions by the Supreme Court weighed heavily on police as they imposed restrictions on protesters. At the same time, the court’s directions prevented immediate and broad-scale action by police. They were not meant to suggest that all arrests were unlawful or that all allegations of violations were factual.

Mumbai: Political leaders join protesters

In Mumbai, activist Anjali Damania was among those taken into custody after demonstrating near Shivaji Park, according to media outlets. She alleged that persons in plain clothes picked her up. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Amit Thackeray later joined a number of protesters at the police station demanding the release of those taken into custody.

Their involvement in the protests added a new layer of complexity to the unfolding events but focused further attention on the conduct of police. As before, allegations of lawlessness made by political figures should be weighed against broader evidence.

Kolkata, Pune and Panaji: Protests continue

Small scale demonstrations were also reported in Kolkata, Pune and Panaji on Sunday, according to Reuters. Those in Pune and Kolkata involved persons expressing solidarity with the anti-SIR protesters. Similarly, a number of persons in Panaji demonstrated against the proposed electoral roll changes. The reports serve as a reminder that the controversy surrounding the recommendations for the electoral roll revision extended beyond Delhi and Mumbai but do not offer further detail on the number of protesters detained nationwide. The debates centered on the alleged illegality of the proposed changes and the right to protest but were overshadowed by concerns over the treatment of those demonstrating. A reminder that the Election Commission defended the process while critics accused it of targeting eligible voters.

What’s next?

By Sunday evening, the developments in Delhi and Mumbai had gone beyond the initial protests over the proposed electoral roll changes. The controversies surrounding the treatment of CJP protesters, journalists and lawyers had entered the fray. The video record of conversation with Dipke and the statements by Dhruv Rathee concerning his treatment in police custody will contribute to scrutiny of the conduct of police. The interventions by the Supreme Court on Sunday will also shape the debate for days to come. The central question involves whether law enforcement can manage the security situation without undermining the fundamental rights of protesters.