CJI Surya Kant dismisses media reports as 'reckless' over denied urgent hearing on protest police action

Published Jul 24, 08:22 AM UTC

On July 24, 2026, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant dismissed media reports as 'reckless' claiming he had denied an urgent hearing on a plea challenging police action against students during a Cockroach Janta Party-led protest march in New Delhi on July 20. The CJI clarified that no formal petition was filed, only a representation sent by a lawyer named Mishra. On July 22, a lawyer had sought an urgent hearing, presenting video evidence of alleged police brutality, but the CJI declined, stating the bench had no time to watch videos. The July 20 protest saw clashes between protesters and security personnel, who used lathis and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to move towards Parliament. Protesters were demanding the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam leak issue.