By IANS
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Monday constituted two committees to examine the impact of existing laws on rioters damaging public property during agitations and the media's alleged role in fuelling such movements.
While examining the police action during the recent violence by Gujjars in Rajasthan, Delhi and adjoining areas, a bench of Justices Arijit Pasayat and P.P. Naolekar also issued notices to the central and state governments.
The court sought their view on what kind of strong punitive action needed to be taken against those indulging in destruction of public property.
While forming the committees, the bench clarified that its orders should not be misconstrued as an infringement on the citizens' right to protest and the operational freedom of media in reporting news.
The court issued the directions after perusing the affidavits submitted by the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana on the Gujjar violence, sparked by the community's demand to seek tribe status. The protests led to 30 deaths and massive destruction of public and private properties.