“How Dare You Issue a Notice?”: Supreme Court Pulls Up Noida Magistrate Over Student Protest

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Executive Magistrate of Noida over a notice issued to a second-year student in connection with a student protest at Jantar Mantar, observing that the action appeared to disregard the Court’s earlier order staying punitive action against students.

The issue was raised before a bench headed by the Chief Justice during the hearing. A lawyer informed the Court that the notice had been issued despite the Supreme Court’s direction that no coercive or punitive action be taken against the protesting students.

“How dare a Magistrate issue a notice?”
Expressing strong displeasure, the Chief Justice questioned how a Magistrate could issue such a notice after the Court had expressly directed that no action be taken against the students.

The lawyer argued that the move amounted to direct contempt of court and could create an atmosphere of fear among students exercising their right to protest.

The Court also questioned whether any official communication had been issued confirming the withdrawal of the notice. When told that the withdrawal had only been reported in the media, the Chief Justice made it clear that the Court would not rely merely on newspaper reports.

The Chief Justice observed that the Court’s order had unequivocally stayed action against the students and warned that if any action had been taken in violation of that order, the concerned authorities could face a show-cause notice.

Supreme Court seeks facts and explanation
Justice Bagchi directed the lawyer to place all relevant documents and factual material concerning the notice on the official record.

The Supreme Court further indicated that it would seek an explanation from the District Magistrate of Noida over the circumstances in which the notice was issued.

The Court’s intervention underscores that administrative authorities must comply strictly with judicial directions, particularly when an express order has restrained punitive action against students.