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The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a report on allegations that a 14-year-old girl who took part in a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi was being harassed following an assault on her father. Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj is currently in jail in connection with the attack.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said allegations concerning the harassment of a minor could not be overlooked.
The court sought details from authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh about the FIR linked to the allegations, security arrangements for the girl and her family, and action taken against those accused of assault and intimidation.
The CJI also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that appropriate action was taken on the girl's FIR.
Lawyer alleges intimidation, stones thrown at home
During the hearing, the girl's lawyer told the court that no action had been taken against those who allegedly accompanied Bhardwaj during the June assault, despite the FIR filed by the girl.
The lawyer also referred to videos which allegedly showed four policemen accompanying the attackers and claimed that stones had been thrown at the girl's residence.
"A person has admitted on video, in a manner of bragging, that he has committed that act... If that child faces some mischief, we will not be able to reverse those things," Live Law quoted the lawyer as saying.
The submission prompted the CJI to stress the need for immediate attention if those accused of violence remained free and were allegedly trying to intimidate the girl.
Supreme Court directs police protection
"If there are anti-social elements who indulge in violence against children, and they are roaming free, and are trying to browbeat the child, that may be a serious thing. Cause is justified. There can't be a second opinion," the CJI said.
"Child is a child. Some measures to protect the child can be taken. This incident can be taken as a standalone by local police."
Mehta told the court that he was aware of the matter through the girl's social media posts.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi subsequently directed authorities to take immediate steps on the FIR and ensure police protection for the girl and her family.
