Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Supreme Court Quashes NEET Protest FIRs; CJP Calls Off March
The Supreme Court closed criminal cases connected to protests about the NEET paper leak.
The protests happened between July 20 and July 25 in Delhi and other parts of India.
The court said that students who peacefully joined the protests should not have their futures harmed by these cases.
It used a special constitutional power called Article 142 to do this.
Police cannot pursue old cases or file new ones about the same protest events.
However, Delhi Police may investigate 2,873 people who were described as having serious criminal records.
That investigation can only examine possible injuries or damage to public property.
The government also promised a nationwide plan to compensate families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak.
Because of these steps, the CJP cancelled its September 5 march in Delhi.
The Supreme Court quashed FIRs linked to CJP-led protests held between July 20 and 25.
Using Article 142, the court extended the closure to related cases in states and Union Territories not before it.
Authorities were barred from pursuing existing or registering fresh FIRs over the same protest incidents.
Delhi Police may file a separate FIR involving 2,873 people with serious criminal antecedents, limited to alleged injury or property damage.
CJP withdrew its planned September 5 Delhi march after government assurances and a court-directed compensation policy.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India, the Centre, Delhi Police, governments of Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and West Bengal, and the Cockroach Janta Party led in court by Saurav Das.
- What
- The court quashed protest-related FIRs, allowed a limited investigation involving 2,873 people, directed a compensation policy, and the CJP cancelled its September 5 march.
- When
- The protests covered by the order took place from July 20 to July 25; the ruling was issued on a Tuesday identified by PTI as September 1; the cancelled march was planned for September 5.
- Where
- The protests occurred in Delhi and other parts of India, including Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and West Bengal; the cancelled march was planned for Delhi.
- Why
- The court cited the future prospects of young protesters and invoked Article 142 to do complete justice, while the CJP withdrew its march after government assurances and the court’s order.
CJP, Protesters and Supporters
Centre and Police Authorities
Quashing protest cases
CJP, Protesters and Supporters
The CJP and its supporters sought protection for students who protested over the NEET paper leak, arguing that criminal cases should not damage their futures or punish legitimate protest.
Centre and Police Authorities
The Centre and governments of several states supported ending the specified FIRs and told the court they would not pursue those cases or file new ones over the same incidents.
Investigation of 2,873 people
CJP, Protesters and Supporters
The broader demand was to prevent genuine student protesters from facing prosecution merely because they participated in demonstrations.
Centre and Police Authorities
Delhi Police was permitted to investigate 2,873 people identified as having serious criminal antecedents, but only for possible bodily harm or property damage.
Police conduct and accountability
CJP, Protesters and Supporters
CJP representatives and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate welcomed relief for protesters but raised questions about alleged pellet-gun use and accountability for injured students.
Centre and Police Authorities
The court order addressed the FIRs and permitted a limited investigation, while the government emphasised its assurances on withdrawing cases and prioritising youth welfare.
- Court action
- The Supreme Court quashed FIRs connected with the specified July protests.
- Constitutional power
- The bench invoked Article 142 to protect the future prospects of young protesters and do complete justice.
- Bench
- The bench was led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
- Protest period
- The order primarily covers incidents between July 20 and July 25; one account refers to incidents between July 20 and July 24.
- Exception
- Delhi Police may register a fresh FIR involving 2,873 people described as having serious criminal antecedents.
- Investigation limits
- Any fresh investigation must determine whether those individuals caused bodily harm or damaged public property at the protest.
- Compensation
- The Centre must formulate a nationwide compensation policy and pay eligible families within three months.
- March withdrawn
- The CJP cancelled its planned September 5 protest march in Delhi.
Sources
Supreme Court Quashes All FIRs Against CJP Protesters
SC quashes all FIRs against CJP protesters; Govt says youth welfare utmost priority
SC Quashes All FIRs against CJP Protestors, Sept 5 March Called Off
NEET paper leak protests: SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off Sept 5 march
