SC Gives Relief to NEET Protesters, CJP Cancels September 5 Rally

The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed FIRs registered against students who participated in protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak between July 20 and 25, bringing a major legal relief to protesters and prompting the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to withdraw its proposed September 5 march in Delhi.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to close the criminal proceedings. The court said the extraordinary power was being exercised while keeping in mind the future prospects of young protesters who had participated in the agitation.

The order applies to FIRs connected with the July 20-25 protests across the country, including cases not directly placed before the court. The bench, however, permitted Delhi Police to register a fresh FIR against 2,873 individuals allegedly having serious criminal antecedents who were present at the Jantar Mantar protest site. The investigation will determine their alleged role in offences involving violence or property damage.

The court also directed the Centre to formulate a pan-India compensation policy for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET controversy. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was committed to providing compensation and sought three months to work out the modalities.

Following the ruling, CJP co-convenor Saurav Das told the court that the organisation was withdrawing its September 5 protest march in view of the government's assurances and the judicial order. The proposed demonstration had been planned to highlight alleged police excesses, pending FIRs and compensation demands.

The CJP-led agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 and continued for 36 days before being called off on July 25 following assurances from the government. The July protests had witnessed clashes with security personnel and the use of lathis and tear gas as protesters attempted to march towards Parliament.

The Supreme Court said both sides must abide by the commitments made before it, effectively ending the immediate confrontation over the protesters' FIRs and the planned September 5 march.