Supreme Court To Consider Quashing FIRs Against NEET Protesters Under Article 142
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to consider pleas seeking the quashing of FIRs registered against students who participated in the NEET protests.
The development came after the Centre approached the top court on the issue. The government urged the Supreme Court to exercise its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi said the move could provide major relief to students facing criminal cases linked to the protests.
However, reports indicate that the court had agreed to hear the applications. The FIRs had not simply been quashed across the country at the time of the latest reports.
Centre Seeks Relief For Student Protesters
The Centre’s application relates to FIRs registered during protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
The demonstrations were held at Jantar Mantar and other locations. Several incidents of violence were also reported during the protests.
The Centre has sought the use of Article 142 to bring the criminal proceedings to an end. The provision gives the Supreme Court wide powers to ensure complete justice in a case.
Four States Also Move Supreme Court
Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar have also approached the Supreme Court.
The four states have sought the quashing of cases connected with the protests. The applications are expected to be considered along with the Centre’s plea.
The development follows earlier proceedings concerning alleged police action against protesters.
In July, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage, drone recordings and other evidence linked to the demonstrations. It also restricted coercive action against protesting students without criminal antecedents.
What Happened To The FIRs?
The Delhi Police had earlier sought permission to withdraw 13 FIRs linked to the protests.
However, authorities have maintained a distinction between students who peacefully participated and people accused of serious violence.
Reports said police identified 2,873 people who were allegedly involved in violence at the protest site. Any further action against those accused of serious offences would remain a separate issue.
The Supreme Court had also clarified that the term “criminal antecedents” referred to people involved in grave and heinous offences.
NEET Protest FIR Case: What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court will now examine the applications seeking relief for the protesters.
The matter could determine the fate of FIRs registered in several states. It may also provide clarity on the legal distinction between peaceful protesters and those accused of violence.
Further proceedings are expected to bring clarity on which cases can be withdrawn or quashed.
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Supreme Court To Consider Quashing FIRs Against NEET Protesters
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