A bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur acknowledged the importance and public interest attached to the issue when senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned how journalists and JNU students and teachers were thrashed as police watched on without interfering.

The petition, filed by JNU alumni N.D. Jayaprakash, also represented by advocate Devadutt Kamat, said atmosphere in the court premises should not be of fear.

It said the court should be allowed to conduct a fair hearing on the sedition chares against Mr. Kumar.

It said the Delhi Police, who are also party in the petition, should be directed to protect JNU students, teachers and journalists who come to either watch or cover the proceedings.