SC takes serious note of threats against 14-year-old protester

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday, September 10, expressed serious concern over allegations that 14-year-old Nishu Azad, who participated in protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), had been subjected to rape threats and that stones were thrown at her residence.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said such allegations could not be ignored. The court stressed that no one should be permitted to intimidate a victim or her family simply because they had sought criminal action, Siasat Daily reported.

The bench directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to submit status reports concerning the FIRs registered in connection with the case. It also sought details about the security arrangements provided to Nishu and her family and the action taken against those accused of assault and issuing threats.

The court's intervention followed social media posts by Nishu displaying several obscene and threatening messages allegedly sent to her and her father.

Nishu's father, Sanjay, was reportedly assaulted by Hindutva activist Swatantra Bhardwaj. Months after the CJP protests, Bhardwaj allegedly spoke about the incident during a podcast interview, which later circulated widely online.

Following the circulation of the video, a CJP delegation, accompanied by members of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Bhim Party, marched to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi. They demanded that the police register an FIR against Bhardwaj over the alleged assault.

Police subsequently registered another FIR based on Nishu's complaint, in which she alleged that supporters of Bhardwaj had been threatening her because she had spoken publicly about the incident.

Since the FIRs were registered, Nishu has repeatedly shared screenshots on X showing messages containing derogatory and obscene language directed at her. She has also posted videos appearing to show unidentified people throwing stones at her home.

During Thursday's proceedings, the Supreme Court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that appropriate action was taken on Nishu's FIR and that adequate protection was provided to her and her family.

The matter was raised during proceedings concerning the student protests after a lawyer brought the court's attention to concerns about Nishu's safety. The lawyer referred to a video in which an individual allegedly boasted about assaulting Nishu's father during the CJP protest.

The counsel argued that despite the alleged admission, action had not been taken against those who accompanied the attacker, while an FIR had instead been registered against the minor. The lawyer asked the court to obtain responses from the Uttar Pradesh government and the Delhi administration.

The lawyer informed the court that Nishu's FIR had been registered at Parliament Street Police Station and said video evidence showing stones being thrown at her residence could also be provided.

The counsel also argued that an ongoing committee inquiry could take considerable time and warned that any harm caused to the child during that period could not later be undone.

Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over the allegations, observing that if individuals who had allegedly used violence against a child were still free and attempting to intimidate her, the matter would be extremely serious.

The Chief Justice indicated that Nishu's concerns were legitimate and emphasised that a child should be protected irrespective of the circumstances. He also suggested that the incident could be treated as a separate matter by the local police and that immediate protective measures could be considered.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that he was aware of the matter through Nishu's social media posts.

The counsel representing the petitioner further alleged that video footage showed police personnel accompanying individuals who had attacked protesters, but claimed that no action had yet been taken against them.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi called for immediate action on Nishu's FIR and directed that the Uttar Pradesh Police provide protection to the minor and her family. He also indicated that the investigation should be handled by the Parliament Street Police Station.