SC-Appointed Panel Opens Evidence Portal for July 2026 Protest Probe

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AuthorKavya Nair|Published at:
SC-Appointed Panel Opens Evidence Portal for July 2026 Protest Probe

The High Powered Enquiry Committee, led by Justice R Subhash Reddy, has launched an online portal for witnesses to submit evidence regarding the July 2026 protests. Tasked by the Supreme Court, the committee is investigating violence linked to the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation. The move aims to ensure witness confidentiality while examining events that occurred during the standoff which led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), established by the Supreme Court of India, has launched an official digital platform to collect evidence regarding the protest-related violence that occurred in July 2026. Witnesses can now submit documents, video evidence, and information through the portal at hpec.nic.in. The committee, chaired by retired Justice R Subhash Reddy, is also accepting in-person testimonies at its New Delhi office for individuals who prefer not to use digital channels or face technical barriers.

The five-member body includes experts such as former CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla and retired police chief L R Bishnoi. Their mandate involves conducting a detailed review of the events that transpired during the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation. The investigation covers incidents across multiple regions, including the widely reported clashes at Jantar Mantar. The panel is specifically examining allegations of excessive force, such as the deployment of pellet guns and reports of harassment. These events and the month-long standoff ultimately culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A primary objective of this initiative is to protect the safety and identity of individuals who come forward with information. The Supreme Court has explicitly directed the HPEC to maintain absolute confidentiality for all vulnerable witnesses. By centralizing evidence in a secure repository, the committee aims to prevent potential intimidation and ensure a transparent, objective investigation into the conduct of both protesters and security forces during the July 20 unrest. The portal remains open for all relevant documentation, including formal complaints from affected parties.

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