Bengaluru: In a PIL hearing on the police interrogation of minors from a Bidar school, the state government said that policemen dressed in civil clothes had “counselled” the 17 students.
It can be recalled that the school became a subject of a police investigation after an anti-CAA play was staged by the students, which was allegedly critical of PM Modi.
Following the incident, Bidar police officials questioned 17 minor students while the school headmistress and a student’s mother were slapped with sedition charges.
Opposing the police action, Advocate Nayana Jyothi Jawar and others filed a petition in the High Court for “illegally examining and questioning” the students.
Appearing for the government, Advocate General Prabhulig K Navadgi said, “The investigating officer had removed his uniform and worn civil dress and thereafter requested the school authorities to produce the children who participated in the play along with their class teachers for counselling.”
The government counsel also stated that the Child Protection Officer and Special Juvenile Police Unit Member was allowed inside and only three children were produced along with respective teachers and one of the parents of the three students.
The High Court bench directed petitioners to file a reply and adjourned the hearing.
