2011 INSC 0654
                             SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

                                        Ajay K. Agrawal

                                                Vs.

                                     Sri Manmohan Singh

                              W.P. (Crl.) No. D17752 of 2011

                         (B.S. Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar JJ.)

                                           06.06.2011

                                             ORDER

In the Matter of: Re - Ramlila Maidan Incident dated 4/5-06-2011

1. Taken on board.

2. Mr. Ajay Agrawal, learned Counsel appearing in-person, has mentioned before
us that he had filed a writ petition in the Registry, raising the grievances regarding
police atrocities at the innocent people and the manner in which they had been
dispersed at the midnight by force. Though the writ petition is not listed before the
Court, still, however, we are shocked to know that all the grounds and particulars
taken in the petition by Mr. Agrawal have already been published in the press
further stating that the matter is listed for hearing today in this Court, which is
factually incorrect.

3. In view of the fact that we are not in a position to probe as to who has furnished
the information and details of the case to the press before the matter was even
registered by the Registry of this Court, we are not inclined to even entertain this
petition filed by Mr. Agrawal. We may also mention that the petition is vague,
unnecessary parties have been added as Respondents and prayers which cannot be
granted in law have been prayed for in the petition. Thus the petition has been filed
primarily with the purpose of attaining publicity. Keeping in view these factors, we
do not wish to entertain this writ petition and dismiss it at the mentioning stage
itself.

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4. However, considering the gravity of the police atrocities and the brutal force that
was used by the police to disperse the innocent people who had gathered at
Ramlila Maidan in furtherance to the permission granted by the State is a matter of
concern for the Court. Mr. Agrawal has placed before us the articles/news items
published in the Indian Express, the Hindustan Times and the Times of India of
today which depict the sad state of affairs and brutality of the State in dealing with
its innocent citizens. Thus, we, suo motu, issue notice to the Home Secretary-
Union of India, Chief Secretary-Delhi Administration and the Police
Commissioner of Delhi to show cause and file their personal affidavits within two
weeks from today explaining the conduct of the police authorities and the
circumstances in which such power with brutality and atrocities was asserted
against a large people who had gathered at Ramlila Maidan. List immediately
thereafter before the Vacation Bench which is available.

5. The said articles/news items are taken on record and copies thereof shall be sent
by the Registry along with the notice to the noticees.

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