Delhi Police defends facial recognition use during NEET protests

Delhi Police defended its deployment of facial recognition technology during protests against the NEET-UG medical entrance examination, arguing the measure served legitimate state interests. In submissions to the Supreme Court, the police department justified the surveillance technique as necessary for maintaining public order during the demonstrations.

The protests, which erupted following irregularities in the NEET-UG examination administration, had prompted concerns among civil liberties advocates regarding police tactics and surveillance methods employed to identify and track demonstrators.

Addressing allegations of excessive or improper use of force during the protests, Delhi Police indicated it would submit to a committee proposed by the Supreme Court to comprehensively examine all issues related to police deployment of force. The force committed to cooperating with the review mechanism to address concerns raised during the agitation.

The Supreme Court's intervention came amid broader scrutiny of policing practices during the NEET demonstrations, which highlighted questions about the balance between state security interests and citizens' right to protest. The committee's examination is expected to provide clarity on the proportionality and legality of police actions during the unrest.