Archive · 4 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Allows FIR Withdrawal for NEET Protest Students
The Supreme Court said that if students who protested about the NEET exam papers did not have serious crimes, the police can drop the reports that were filed against them.
The court explained that only very serious crimes count as "criminal antecedents."
The government said it would not drop reports for more than 2,700 people who had serious crimes.
Some people said the police used too much force, like lathis and teargas, and even pellet guns.
The court will talk more about how police should act in protests on August 18.
Supreme Court clarified that states can withdraw FIRs against NEET protest students lacking grave criminal antecedents.
The term "criminal antecedents" refers only to grave and heinous offences, not minor infractions.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said FIRs against over 2,700 people with grave offences will not be withdrawn.
Court heard allegations of police excesses, including lathis, teargas, pellet guns, and assaults on protesters.
A further hearing is scheduled for August 18 to address police protocol and potential independent probe.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, student protesters, police
- What
- Clarified that states can withdraw FIRs against NEET protest students lacking grave criminal antecedents and addressed police excesses
- When
- August 3, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To implement the government's commitment to not pursue FIRs against most protesting students and to address allegations of police misconduct
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Decision
- Clarification on FIR withdrawal
- Date
- August 3, 2026
- Protest
- NEET paper leak protests
- FIRs withdrawn
- States may withdraw except those with grave offences
