New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard petitions related to police action against students during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other parts of the country against the NEET exam paper leak. During the hearing, Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant made it clear that neither police excesses nor the criminal elements involved in the protests would be tolerated. He said there should be no misconception that police officers who committed excesses would be spared. Furthermore, criminal elements among the protesters would also not be given any relief.
The government does not want action against the students.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the apex court that the government does not want action against the students and necessary steps will be taken in this direction. However, he said that relief cannot be given to those elements among the protesters who have serious criminal cases against them. He said, “We have also talked to the petitioners. We do not want action against the students. Necessary steps will be taken for this. But the criminal elements who had infiltrated among the students cannot be given relief.”
The Supreme Court sought a complete list of FIRs filed in the court.
The court said it must examine the number of FIRs registered. It also stated that it must determine how many of them are against people with a criminal history. It also requires reviewing the process for closing cases. The CJI asked the government to obtain a complete list of FIRs filed in Delhi and other states.
Question of students’ future:
During the hearing, lawyer Vrinda Grover said that the future of students is a question of their lives. The court should guide whether the FIRs should be cancelled or withdrawn. She also raised the issue of FIRs registered against 5,000 unknown protesters in Patna. On this, the Solicitor General said that our reply is ready. But I have not been able to read it myself. Please give me some time. There was some misunderstanding or wrong information about the FIRs registered against the protesters. I have been asked to say that the government is serious about that promise. There are some people who want to keep the matter heated.
The court discussed the withdrawal of the FIR, and questions were also raised about the use of police force.
Justice Bagchi said that the government lawyer can withdraw the case. A closure report can be filed. Lawyer Gopal Shankarnarayan said that the government’s affidavit should also answer why so much force was used there. Who were the people without uniforms who were using batons? On this, the Solicitor General said that this should not be an attempt to keep the kettle hot. We have provided information about 2738 people. Serious cases are registered against them.
Advocate AM Singhvi demanded clarification of the definition of “criminal history.”
The Supreme Court’s previous order requires clarification. The term “criminal history” is written in the definition. This definition could include driving offenses, minor offenses, and even past political protests. This term needs clarification.
Consideration of SIT or committee of retired judge to investigate police action
CJI Surya Kant also clarified the situation regarding protesters with “criminal antecedents.” He stated that this only refers to those facing serious charges, such as murder. The court indicated that either an SIT or a committee headed by a retired judge could be formed to investigate the police action. However, the composition of the committee and the names of its members have not yet been finalized.
No relief for those accused of serious crimes.
The Supreme Court stated that while the government has stated it will take steps to withdraw or close cases, those accused of serious crimes will not benefit from this. The court will further hear issues related to the FIR, police action, and the technical means used to identify protesters.
The Bihar government has assured significant relief to those protesting the NEET paper leak. According to the government, no punitive, retaliatory, or adverse legal action will be taken against individuals involved in protests in any part of Bihar until 6 p.m. on July 26, 2026. An order to this effect was issued by the Home Department.