Rohith Vemula death: Karnataka High Court quashes case against 15 students booked for protest

The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against 15 persons who were booked in 2016 for holding a protest in connection with the death of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student from the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide after allegedly facing caste discrimination [Mohammed Tufail K v State by Cubbon Park Police].

Justice HP Sandesh held that the accused were not guilty of unlawful assembly since only an assembly of more than 250 persons requires permission under the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Public Processions (Bangalore City) Order, 2009.

The chargesheet in the case named only 15 persons, even as the police claimed that there was a gathering of 100-150 persons, the Court noted.

"In the charge-sheet, nowhere it is stated that which provision they have violated, except invoking of Sections 283 and 341 and other offences of unlawful assembly," the Court further said.

On February 10, 2016, the petitioners had gathered in front of Capital Hotel towards Raj Bhavan Road and raised slogans, and displayed flags in connection with the death of Rohith Vemula.

They were arrested by the Cubbon Park Police Station and a report was lodged against them. Subsequently, they were released. Later, the accused approached the Court seeking to quash the proceedings.

Considering the facts of the case, the Court on September 30 quashed the criminal proceedings against the 15 petitioners.

Advocate Mohammed Tahir appeared for the petitioners.

High Court Government Pleader Divakar Maddur represented the State.

[Read Order]