SC to set up high-powered panel to probe allegations of police excesses during NEET protest

The Supreme Court has announced plans to establish a high-powered committee to investigate allegations of police misconduct during the NEET protest in Delhi. The committee, set to be announced on Wednesday, will consist of retired judges, a former DGP, and an ex-CBI director, among other members. The court will direct the provision of video footage and CCTV recordings of the violence that occurred during the July 20 protest, as well as examine complaints from female protesters who were allegedly targeted during the march.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will provide details of FIRs implicating student protesters that may be quashed, indicating the court's potential use of its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The court emphasized the importance of students' rights to protest and the need to consider their future prospects. Police had identified over 2,800 anti-social elements involved in past heinous offenses as responsible for the violence during the protest.

The court clarified that "criminal antecedents" in its earlier order referred only to those involved in grave and heinous offenses, allowing states to close or withdraw FIRs against remaining students in accordance with the law.