BackSupreme Court to hear plea seeking non-violent hearing in Kanhaiya Kumar case
The petition seeks to ensure that there is no threat to Kumar and others attending the hearing at Patiala House court complex
Premium
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday a plea seeking court’s directions to ensure that the Patiala House court premises are safe, accessible and non-violent so that Kanhaiya Kumar’s case can be heard.
Kumar, president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union, was charged with sedition and arrested last week. He was required to be present in court on 15 February. However, the Delhi Police did not bring him to court after a mob of men in lawyer robes assaulted students, teachers and journalists at the court.
The petition, filed by a JNU alumnus, N.D. Jayaprakash, seeks to ensure that there is no threat to Kumar and others attending the hearing, including other students, teachers and reporters, in light of the violence that was seen on Monday in Patiala House court complex.
The case will be heard at 10.30 am by a bench comprising justices J. Chelameswar and A.M. Sapre.
Jayaprakash’s petition, a copy of which Mint has reviewed, said that there was “a threat of physical violence and threat of intimidation for friends and family" of Kumar owing to the charged atmosphere in court. Questions on Kumar’s safety were also raised.
The petition further contended that violence inside a court complex amounted to contempt of court and denial of access to justice to Kumar for a free and fair hearing. It also said that the Delhi Police failed to act when men dressed as lawyers attacked those present in court.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
