The national human rights commission has sent notices to union home secretary, Delhi government chief secretary, Delhi Police commissioner and the registrar of the Jawaharlal Nehru University on the allegations of beating journalists and students outside Patiala house courts.

The complainant has alleged that journalists and several students were assaulted by Delhi BJP MLA OP Sharma and BJP supporters disguised as lawyers in the Patiala house courts premises where a sedition case against JNU students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar was to be heard. Policemen who were present during this event remained mute spectators, the complainant alleged and has requested for an independent investigation and registration of FIR against the alleged perpetrators.

“The teachers and the students of the JNU and the journalists had a right to be present in the court and its premises. This right was denied to them by use of criminal force and physical attack unleashed on them by the BJP MLA and some persons in lawyer’s robes. Such violation of human rights took place in the presence of a large number of policemen. Though the police had a duty to prevent such violation of human rights and commission of criminal offences, they allegedly remained mute spectators and facilitated violation of human rights.  The alleged inaction of the police on the occasion amounted to dereliction of duty and negligence. It is also to be seen whether any action was taken by the police against the offenders by registering FIR and conducting effective investigations,” said a press release by NHRC.

“The incident involves serious violation of Human rights. Hence, the home secretary, government of India; Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT are directed to submit urgent report within a week”.