The Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing a plea concerning police action during student protests, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant calling for an investigation and accountability over the violence. The CJI noted that the agitation had initially remained peaceful before turning violent on one day.

The petitioner’s lawyer said police could file FIRs against violent protesters but should avoid force wherever possible. The lawyer also alleged that some armed police personnel were present without uniforms and used force. The CJI said two possibilities needed examination: whether police had acted too harshly or whether people seeking to provoke violence had entered the protest.