SC Allows States to Withdraw FIRs Against NEET Protesters Without Grave Offences
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court clarified that states can close or withdraw FIRs against students who participated in NEET paper leak protests, except those with criminal antecedents involving grave and heinous offences. This follows the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against protesters, including those at the July 20 Parliament march.
Background
The NEET exam paper leak in 2026 sparked widespread student protests, including a march on Parliament on July 20. Allegations of police excesses led to multiple pleas in the Supreme Court. The Centre had earlier indicated it would withdraw FIRs against protesters without criminal antecedents, but implementation faced legal hurdles.
Key facts
The Supreme Court bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
The clarification came during hearing of pleas alleging police excesses against student protesters.
The court said 'criminal antecedents' in its earlier order refers only to grave and heinous offences.
States, including NCT of Delhi, are at liberty to close or withdraw FIRs against protesters.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said FIRs against more than 2,700 people with grave antecedents would not be withdrawn.
The Centre expressed seriousness about not pursuing FIRs against students without such antecedents.
FIRs were filed in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, UP, and Delhi.
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover raised the issue of whether cases should be withdrawn or FIRs quashed.
The court allowed states to act in accordance with law, with further proceedings to follow after states work out details.
The protests were spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court of India
- Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) - provisions for withdrawal of cases
- Fundamental Rights - Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression), Article 21 (life and personal liberty)
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
- FIR (First Information Report)
- Solicitor General of India
- NCT of Delhi
- Parliament march (July 20, 2026)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of the judiciary in protecting the rights of student protesters while balancing law and order.
- Critically examine the legal process of withdrawal of FIRs and quashing of criminal cases in India.
- Analyze the implications of the NEET paper leak on the education system and governance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with mass protests.