Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 1: In a major relief to students who participated in protests over the NEET examination controversy, the Supreme Court on Tuesday invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs registered against them across the country.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana observed that merely participating in a protest would not constitute an offence.
The court, however, preserved the liberty of the states to proceed against individuals allegedly involved in bodily harm or destruction of property. The directions were also issued without prejudice to the pending constitutional challenge concerning facial recognition technology.
At the outset of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the court that the government would not pursue FIRs linked to the specified protest incidents and that no fresh FIRs would be registered in connection with the same incidents.
Mehta also said the government stood by its commitment regarding compensation to affected families, with the modalities to be finalised in consultation with the states and other stakeholders.
After taking note of the Centre's assurances, the Supreme Court quashed the proceedings against students who had participated in the nationwide NEET protests.
The Centre had approached the apex court on Monday seeking the quashing of FIRs registered in connection with protests held across the country in July 2026. It invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to seek relief in the cases.
During Tuesday's hearing, senior advocates Vrinda Grover and Hariharan, representing several protesters, sought transparency regarding the FIRs and the list of around 2,873 people identified by the authorities.
The bench considered whether copies of the FIRs and the list should be supplied, while observing that once the FIRs were quashed, their contents would have limited relevance to the proceedings.
The court also took on record the government's commitment regarding compensation to affected families and directed that a framework be formulated in consultation with the states and Union Territories.
Following the Supreme Court's order and the government's assurances, CJP co-convenor Saurav Dass informed the bench that the proposed September 5 protest march would be called off. He expressed confidence that the court's directions would be implemented and described the decision as a "historic decision".
The Centre had sought the quashing of 13 FIRs registered against students who participated in the CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar. It had also sought permission to register a fresh case to investigate the role of around 2,873 people who were present during the demonstrations and their alleged involvement in violence.
The issue was mentioned by Solicitor General Mehta before the same bench on Monday, after which the court agreed to hear the matter on September 1.
Mehta had said the Centre wanted to move an application seeking the quashing of FIRs related to the protests by invoking Article 142.
The Supreme Court had earlier clarified that state governments could withdraw FIRs against protesters involved in the nationwide demonstrations over the NEET paper leak controversy. However, those accused of grave and heinous offences would not be covered by the relief.