SC says states can withdraw FIRs against students who participated in NEET protests
The Supreme Court clarified that its order on releasing student protesters referred to 'criminal antecedents' only to grave and heinous offences.
States are at liberty to close or withdraw FIRs against students who participated in NEET protests, except those with serious criminal antecedents.
The Centre submitted it was serious about not pursuing FIRs, with over 2,700 people with grave antecedents excluded from withdrawal.
FIRs were filed in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, UP, and Delhi against student protesters including those in the July 20 Parliament march.
The clarification came during hearing of pleas alleging police excesses against protesters, including those from the Cockroach Janta Party.
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