In a significant development concerning ongoing protests in Delhi, the Supreme Court has issued directives to law enforcement agencies, mandating the preservation of all CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the demonstrations. The court also affirmed that private individuals are permitted to preserve and submit their own video recordings as evidence.
The apex court further pressed the government regarding its decision to denotify Jantar Mantar, a historically recognized site for public gatherings, as a designated protest location. The court inquired whether this decision was based on its previous oral observations or an independent assessment of the site's suitability for public demonstrations.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, clarified that the denotification was not a result of the Supreme Court's observations. He stated that a committee had been formed earlier to examine the issue, and its detailed report informed the decision.
Adding another layer to the legal challenges, the Supreme Court also issued notice on several petitions contesting the constitutional validity of Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section stipulates that individuals must comply with lawful directions issued by police officers and grants police the authority to detain or arrest those who fail to obey such instructions.
These proceedings are unfolding amidst a broader legal battle concerning the right to protest and the existing restrictions on public demonstrations within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.