CJI: Women protestors can file sexual assault complaints with HPEC

What Happened

The Supreme Court established a High Powered Enquiry Committee on August 20 to investigate concerns and allegations related to police conduct during nationwide protests over NEET-UG paper leaks. On August 24, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that women protesters may directly approach the HPEC’s nodal officer with complaints of sexual molestation by police personnel during the crackdown on protests on July 20. The nodal officer is to be a judicial officer. The Court indicated that complaints involving police abuse should receive priority attention and that the HPEC should assess alleged grievous harm or injury to protestors in its enquiries.

Why It Matters

The remark creates a formal channel for women protestors to report alleged sexual misconduct by police and ensures a priority review within the commission’s work. By directing complaints to a judicial officer within the HPEC, the court signals an emphasis on accessibility and due process for complainants amid a contentious protest context.

Background

The protests emerged nationwide in response to NEET-UG paper leaks, with accusations of police excesses against students during the crackdown. The Supreme Court’s decision to form the HPEC aims to investigate various issues and allegations surrounding these protests, including violence, harassment, and other alleged misconduct by security personnel.

Key Facts

• The Supreme Court formed the High Powered Enquiry Committee on August 20 to probe issues and allegations related to NEET-UG protests.
• The panel is to be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy.
• On August 24, 2026, the CJI announced that women protestors can directly file sexual molestation complaints against police with the HPEC’s nodal officer.
• The nodal officer for such complaints will be a judicial officer.
• The Court instructed that complaints involving police abuse should be given priority attention.
• The complaints relate to the crackdown on July 20 during NEET-UG protest activity.

What Happens Next

The HPEC is expected to receive and process complaints, with priority handling for allegations of harassment, molestation, and violence against female protestors. The committee will investigate issues surrounding police excesses and assess any grievous harm or injury alleged by protesters, continuing its review of the NEET-UG protest episodes.