The Supreme Court of India has constituted a High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) to investigate all aspects of the violence reported at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and other locations outside the national capital in July 2026. The committee has now launched a dedicated online portal to facilitate the submission of complaints, representations and supporting evidence by affected individuals and other stakeholders.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, on October 17, the portal, available at http://hpec.nic.in, has been developed to make it easier for people affected by the incidents to approach the committee. The facility is open to affected protesters, police personnel and other individuals who wish to submit information concerning the violence.
The initiative aims to facilitate the collection of information and representations while providing safeguards for vulnerable witnesses and allowing affected individuals to keep their identities confidential, if they so wish.
Supreme Court-Mandated Enquiry to Examine July Violence
The Supreme Court constituted the HPEC to investigate all aspects of the incidents involving violence at Jantar Mantar and other places outside Delhi during July 2026.
The committee will examine the issues specified in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the Supreme Court’s order dated August 18, 2026, as well as paragraph 5(i) of its subsequent order dated September 10, 2026.
These judicial directions define the scope of the committee’s examination and provide the framework for gathering information about the incidents, the conduct of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The newly launched portal is expected to serve as an accessible channel through which affected individuals can present their accounts, submit supporting documents and bring relevant information to the committee’s attention.
The enquiry is particularly significant because the incidents involved allegations and concerns relating to violence, the use of force, the treatment of women protesters and damage to property. The committee’s findings will depend on the material and information examined during its proceedings.
Pellet Gun Use, Violence Against Women Among Top Priorities
The HPEC has identified several issues that will receive priority during the enquiry. These include the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of female protesters, and excessive violence and destruction of property by either side.
The emphasis on pellet gun use places the deployment of such weapons among the key issues to be examined. The committee will also give priority to complaints concerning alleged targeted attacks and harassment directed at women who participated in the protests.
In addition, the enquiry will cover concerns relating to excessive violence and property destruction, with the stated scope extending to conduct on both sides.
The committee’s approach is intended to ensure that information concerning different aspects of the incidents can be brought before it. Complaints from affected people and relevant stakeholders may help establish the circumstances in which particular incidents occurred.
However, the identification of priority issues does not itself establish responsibility for any alleged wrongdoing. The findings will depend on the evidence and material considered by the committee.
Confidentiality Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses
A key feature of the HPEC portal is its provision for protecting vulnerable witnesses and maintaining confidentiality.
According to the PIB release, the portal has been designed to enable appropriate protection for vulnerable witnesses and to keep the identities of affected persons confidential and undisclosed if they wish.
This provision may be particularly important for individuals who fear harassment, intimidation or other adverse consequences if their identities become public.
The committee has encouraged affected persons and other stakeholders to access the portal and upload their complaints or representations using the applicable formats.
People wishing to share information or suggestions related to the issues referred to the HPEC under the Supreme Court’s August 18 and September 10 orders can also use the online facility.
The portal therefore provides a channel not only for formal complaints but also for information and suggestions that may assist the committee in examining the incidents.
Offline Complaints and Postal Submissions Also Permitted
Individuals who are unable or unwilling to submit their complaints online can use alternative channels provided by the committee.
The PIB has stated that complaints, representations and other relevant material may be submitted physically at the HPEC office at Shiksha Sadan, 17, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110002.
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Physical submissions will be accepted between 2 pm and 4 pm on all working days.
Submissions may also be sent by post to the same address. Additionally, individuals can communicate with the committee through its designated email address: hpec2026.enquiry@nic.in.
These options are intended to make the enquiry process accessible to people with different needs and circumstances, including those who may face difficulties using the online portal.
Those preparing submissions are encouraged to use the applicable formats and provide relevant information and supporting material concerning the issues being examined.
Public Participation Could Help Establish the Facts
The launch of the HPEC portal marks an important stage in the process of collecting accounts and evidence relating to the July 2026 violence.
By inviting representations from protesters, police personnel and other stakeholders, the committee is opening multiple channels for receiving information about the incidents. The confidentiality provisions may also help individuals who are concerned about disclosing their identities come forward.
The enquiry will cover the issues identified by the Supreme Court, including pellet gun use, alleged targeted violence, harassment of female protesters, excessive force and property destruction.
The committee’s examination of the submissions and other relevant material will be central to its work. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to submit their accounts through the official portal or the available physical, postal and email channels.
The HPEC’s findings will be important in establishing a clearer account of the incidents and addressing the issues placed before it by the Supreme Court.
For affected individuals, the portal provides a formal route to bring their experiences and evidence to the committee’s attention. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on the quality of the information received, the safeguards applied during the process and the committee’s examination of the material submitted.
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