‘They Can’t Take Law In Their Hands Just Because They Are Students’: How CJI Bobde Silenced ‘Human Rights’ Lobby

Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobade while hearing a plea by senior advocate Indira Jaisingh over alleged “Human Rights violations” during protests by Jamia Milia and Aligarh Muslim University students, commented that they do not have the right to take law and order in their own hands just because they are students, ANI has reported.

Jaisingh while appearing before the CJI led bench alleged “very serious human rights violation” in context of incidences at Jamia Milia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University protests against the citizenship amendment bill (CAB). She thus demanded that the court take suo moto cognisance of the matter alleging police atrocities.

CJI Bobde though responded by saying that the court will determine the rights of the students but not while there is an “atmosphere of riots”. He added that only after the violent protests stops will the court take cognisance of the matter.

When one of the lawyers present in the court began showing videos to the bench, CJI Bobde shot him down by stating that as long as there is ongoing destruction of public property, the bench will hear no pleas from the other side.

CJI Bobde also observed that, “Just because they happen to be students, it doesn't mean they can take law and order in their hands”. He added that the matter of human rights violations can only be decided when rioting stops and they won’t be able to decide anything in the current state of mind.

As reported by Live Law, the Supreme Court will now hear the matter tomorrow while also asserting that the court will not be bullied into agreeing to their demands. During that hearing the court will hear a plea for a judicial inquiry in the matter.

One of the demands by lawyers appearing for the students, is that retired judges be sent to the university campuses to monitor the situation.

A Human Rights Law Network is now also said to be moving a petition to provide compensation and medical assistance to the injured students.

While various human rights organisations and advocates are calling for ‘justice’ for injured student protesters, they have been virtually silent on the violence meted out against the police forces.

It was reported that during the initial stone pelting by the Jamia students, 12 police personnel were injured and two had to be admitted in the ICU. During the protests on Sunday (15 December) as well, six jawans were injured in the stone pelting by students.

Even several cops have been injured in mob violence against the citizenship amendment bill in West Bengal and Patna.