Supreme Court Expresses Deep Concern Over Harassment of Minor Activist in CJP Protests
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has taken a stern stance regarding allegations of intimidation and harassment directed at a 14-year-old girl, who was an active participant in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests this past July. During the hearing on Thursday, the apex court emphasized that no individual should be allowed to terrorize or browbeat a victim and their family for seeking legal recourse.
Serious Allegations of Intimidation
The legal counsel representing the minor girl informed the bench that the teenager has been subjected to severe harassment, including the vandalism of her home, following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj. The controversy stems from a viral video in which Bhardwaj claimed to have physically assaulted the girl’s father during the CJP protests, allegedly boasting that his political connections shielded him from legal consequences.
Expressing deep concern over the reports of violence, the bench—led by the Chief Justice of India and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana—asserted that such matters cannot be dealt with lightly. “There cannot be any second opinion about it. If violence against a child is involved and persons are roaming free and trying to browbeat the child or the family so that they do not pursue criminal proceedings, then it is a serious matter,” the court observed.
Legal Developments and Police Action
The case has seen significant traction since September 5, when the Delhi Police formally added sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alongside charges of criminal intimidation, to the existing FIR against Bhardwaj. The accused was later detained in Bulandshahr following intense pressure and protests held by the CJP outside the Parliament Street police station.
The minor’s legal representative further alleged that the judicial process is being skewed, noting that while the girl and her family face threats, a separate FIR has been registered against the child herself. Counsel submitted evidence—including video documentation showing the teenager’s residence being pelted with stones—to illustrate the vulnerability of the victim.
Court’s Directive to Authorities
Addressing the plea for protection, the Supreme Court expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of high-powered committees, noting that the urgency of the situation requires immediate intervention. The bench remarked that if anti-social elements are allowed to roam freely while intimidating minors, the justice system effectively fails to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
In a direct move to ensure the safety of the victim and the integrity of the investigation, the court has directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that prompt action is taken regarding the girl’s FIR. Furthermore, the bench has sought formal status reports from both the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments to account for the security of the complainant. The court’s intervention highlights a growing judicial sensitivity toward the protection of whistleblowers and activists who face retaliation for challenging public figures.
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