New Delhi: The Central Government has clarified its stance in the Supreme Court regarding the students who took to the streets to protest the paper leak. The government assured the court that criminal action will not be taken against students involved in peaceful protests. However, those involved in violence or serious crimes will not receive any relief. During the hearing, the government and the petitioners raised several important points, following which the court set a date for the next hearing.
A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India was hearing petitions related to cases filed during the “Sansad Chalo” march on July 20. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, told the court that the government’s intention was not to affect the future of the students. He said the government was seriously considering the option of withdrawing or closing the FIRs filed against the students.
He clarified that students who were merely part of the demonstration should not face action. However, if anyone committed violence or engaged in criminal activities, action would continue to be taken against them according to the law.
Negotiations are ongoing between the petitioners and the government
During the hearing, the Solicitor General stated that the issue had been discussed with the petitioners and senior advocate Vrinda Grover. The government is working toward a solution so that students do not face unnecessary legal hassles. Vrinda Grover told the court that the process of closing each FIR can be lengthy, as the public prosecutor must file a closure report in each case. She urged the court to provide clear guidelines in this regard.
Questions were also raised on the FIR involving thousands of unidentified protesters
The petitioner also pointed out that an FIR filed in Patna names approximately 5,000 unidentified protesters as accused. They argued that such cases could impact the future of a large number of students. Therefore, they requested the court issue a clear order to quash or withdraw the FIR. During the hearing, Tushar Mehta stated that the government’s response was ready, but that he needed some time to fully review it. He requested the court grant a few days’ time.
The next hearing will be on August 18
At the end of the hearing, the Supreme Court set the next date for August 18. The court stated that the composition of the proposed committee, its jurisdiction, and the subsequent process would be considered at the next hearing. It also directed all parties to submit their responses and necessary documents to the court within the stipulated time.