The Supreme Court has condemned the harassment of a 14-year-old girl linked to the Cockroach Janta Party protests in Delhi, calling such intimidation a serious issue. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took strong exception to vigilantes browbeating the minor and her family after she participated in the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. The justices noted that allegations concerning the intimidation of the girl and the browbeating of her or her family members cannot be taken lightly, deeming it a serious issue that demands immediate intervention.
Right-Wing Influencer Claims Violence
The girl came under scrutiny after right-wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj openly stated on social media that he had beaten her father during the protests. Bhardwaj was initially booked only for causing simple hurt and wrongful restraint under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He later claimed on social media that he had cracked his victim’s skull and alleged proximity to NDA leaders. This escalation in his public statements and the alleged severity of the injury caused significant alarm regarding the safety of the family involved in the demonstrations.
Following protests by Cockroach Janta Party leaders, along with the girl and her father, at the Parliament Street police station, more serious charges were added and Bhardwaj was arrested. He is currently in judicial custody. The bench was informed that while serious charges were filed against the influencer, a counter FIR had been registered against the child herself. This legal irony, where the victim faces police action while the alleged perpetrator remains detained, drew sharp criticism from the legal representatives present before the bench.
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Contradicting Court Orders
Legal counsel representing the girl argued that registering an FIR against the child, while those allegedly assaulting and intimidating her remain at large, contradicts the Supreme Court’s earlier orders. The lawyer also provided video evidence suggesting the girl’s residence was subject to stone-pelting. The counsel contended that instead of prosecuting those who were accompanying the accused and were allegedly caught on camera, an FIR had been registered against the child, which is contrary to the court’s directives.
The High-Powered Committee constituted by the apex court to probe violence against JP protestors will take time to complete its investigation. “If something happens to the child in the meantime, that cannot subsequently be reversed or repaired through the Committee,” the lawyer warned. The court emphasized that such matters cannot be taken lightly and that nobody should be protected if violence against a child is involved. “If persons accused of such acts were roaming free and attempting to browbeat the child or her family so that they do not pursue criminal proceedings, it would be a serious matter,” the CJI remarked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the complaints would be examined and further directions issued if necessary. He stated that the Court would consider the complaints, iron out these issues, and, if necessary, further clarify their directions. The bench agreed that the situation requires immediate attention to prevent irreversible harm. The CJI stated that the court would consider the complaints and pass necessary directions to address the issues, ensuring the safety of the minor involved in the case.
