SC quashes FIRs against NEET protesters, but with a caveat for 'hardened criminals'

The Supreme Court recently dismissed all FIRs registered against student protesters who participated in demonstrations against the NEET paper leak across various parts of the country. The bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana made this decision based on the unique circumstances surrounding the case. The court invoked its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to consider the future of the students who lawfully took part in the protests.

However, the apex court allowed Delhi Police to proceed with the FIR against 2,873 individuals who were present at the Jantar Mantar protest, citing their serious criminal backgrounds. This decision came after the Centre approached the Supreme Court to quash FIRs registered against student protesters, alleging violent activities during the protests against the NEET paper leak in Delhi and other states.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and Delhi Police, informed the court that the Centre was committed to honoring the three promises made to the CJP leaders during their meeting with the government. These assurances include refraining from pursuing FIRs registered between July 20 and 25, not registering any new FIRs related to the matter, and providing compensation to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide due to the NEET paper leak.

Mehta stated that the Centre is committed to fulfilling all three promises, but it will take three months to finalize the necessary procedures.

Following the court's ruling, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) called off its planned protest on September 5. CJP co-convener Sourav Das expressed gratitude for the court's order but questioned why hardened criminals were allowed to remain at large. Regarding Delhi Police's apprehension that around 2,800 hardened criminals were present during the protest, Das argued that if these individuals were indeed present, they should be prosecuted, investigated, and imprisoned.