John Brittas Alleges Police Assault in Letter to CJI
Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has formally requested the Chief Justice of India to intervene following an alleged assault by Delhi Police during a protest.
Brittas claims he was assaulted by police while protesting peacefully.
He seeks an independent investigation into the incident, citing concerns over police accountability.
The incident raises significant questions about constitutional rights and protections for peaceful assembly.
In a significant development, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has reached out to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alleging that he was assaulted by Delhi Police and CRPF personnel during a protest on October 11, 2026. Brittas, a member of the CPI(M), described the incident as a serious case of police brutality that occurred while he was advocating for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He expressed his concerns over the lack of accountability within the police force and requested judicial intervention to address the situation.
Brittas detailed the events leading to the alleged assault, stating that he was peacefully engaging with journalists in Connaught Place when he learned that youth activists were being detained. He claims that despite identifying himself as a sitting Member of Parliament, he was forcibly dragged for about 50 meters by police officers. This incident reportedly occurred shortly after the Supreme Court had issued directions emphasizing that peaceful protesters should not be detained, raising questions about the adherence to constitutional protections.
In his communication to the Chief Justice, Brittas highlighted the need for a credible investigation into the incident, arguing that it should not be left to the same police force that may be implicated. He has called for a Special Investigation Team, independent of the Delhi Police and CRPF, to examine the actions of the officers involved and to assess the legality of his detention and treatment. Brittas emphasized that the brutal treatment he faced, even after identifying himself as an elected representative, underscores a troubling trend of police violence against dissenting voices.
The implications of this incident extend beyond Brittas himself, as it raises broader concerns regarding the right to peaceful assembly and the protection of civil liberties in India. The recent escalation of police violence against opposition leaders and activists has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. Brittas argued that the government cannot respond to dissent with force, and that constitutional freedoms must be upheld, particularly Articles 19 and 21, which protect free speech and personal liberty.
Looking ahead, Brittas has urged the Supreme Court to take immediate action to preserve evidence related to the incident, including video recordings and police logs. He has requested that a status report on the investigation be submitted to the Court within a specified timeframe. The outcome of this situation could have significant ramifications for police conduct and the treatment of protesters in India, as well as for the broader discourse on civil rights and government accountability.
