Supreme Court FIR student protesters
The Supreme Court has delivered major relief to students who participated in protests against the alleged NEET paper leak, ordering the quashing of FIRs registered against student protesters. Following the development, CJP has called off its planned protest march in Delhi on September 5.
The protests, led by CJP, had spread across several cities after allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak triggered widespread student demonstrations. FIRs were registered against protesters in Delhi and other parts of the country, including students who took part in demonstrations in cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai. Withdrawal of these cases subsequently became one of the protesters’ key demands.
The Supreme Court exercised its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to order the quashing of FIRs against the student protesters. The decision is expected to provide significant legal relief to students who faced criminal cases in connection with the protests.
However, the relief does not extend to people accused of serious criminal offences. The court has maintained a distinction between peaceful protesters and those allegedly involved in serious unlawful activities. Such cases can continue through the legal process.
Following assurances from the Centre on the withdrawal of FIRs and other demands, CJP decided to call off its proposed September 5 march in Delhi.
The organisation had earlier announced plans to march from India Gate to the Delhi Police headquarters. The protest was linked to demands arising from the NEET controversy and the treatment of student demonstrators.
The protesters had alleged that the Centre had earlier assured them that several of their demands would be addressed but that the commitments had not been fully implemented. Apart from withdrawal of FIRs, they had also sought compensation for families of students who died during the broader controversy and accountability from the authorities.
The latest development follows a separate hearing over CJP’s proposed September 5 march. The Supreme Court had earlier declined to impose an immediate restriction on the demonstration, while stressing that all sides must remain peaceful and operate within the law.
The Centre’s move on the FIR issue and the Supreme Court’s subsequent order have now changed the course of the dispute. Union Minister JP Nadda said the government was implementing its commitment to withdraw FIRs against protesting students, keeping their future in mind.
The development brings temporary relief to the prolonged standoff between the student protesters and the authorities over the NEET controversy. At the same time, legal proceedings may continue against individuals accused of serious criminal offences during the protests.
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