Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Supreme Court Quashes NEET Protest FIRs, CJP Cancels Rally
The Supreme Court closed many police cases against students and other people who joined NEET protests.
The protests were held between July 20 and July 25 over alleged exam problems and paper leaks.
The court used a special constitutional power called Article 142.
It said similar cases in other states and Union Territories should also be closed.
It also said police should not file new cases for the same protest events.
However, authorities may file cases against 2,873 named people if they are found involved in serious physical harm or property damage.
The Centre said it would create a compensation process for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the controversy.
The Cockroach Janata Party had planned another march in Delhi for September 5.
After the court’s order and the government’s assurances, the party canceled that march.
The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash FIRs linked to NEET protests held from July 20 to 25.
The cases included FIRs in Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam, while similar cases elsewhere were ordered closed.
The court barred fresh FIRs over the same protests, subject to an exception involving 2,873 named individuals.
The Centre and states were directed to develop compensation arrangements for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the controversy.
The Cockroach Janata Party withdrew its planned September 5 Delhi march after government assurances and the court’s order.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India, the Centre, concerned state governments, Delhi Police, NEET protesters and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
- What
- The court quashed or closed protest-related FIRs and restricted new cases, while the CJP withdrew its planned September 5 Delhi march.
- When
- The ruling was issued on Tuesday; the covered protests took place from July 20 to 25, and the canceled march was planned for September 5.
- Where
- The FIRs included cases in Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam; the order also covered related cases in other states and Union Territories.
- Why
- The court acted after applications and assurances from the Centre and states concerning protest cases, future legal action and compensation for affected families.
CJP and Protesters
Centre and Authorities
Closing protest FIRs
CJP and Protesters
The CJP sought an end to cases against students and protesters who participated in the July agitation and welcomed the Supreme Court’s order as justice.
Centre and Authorities
The Centre and states sought closure of the relevant FIRs but requested an exception for people allegedly involved in bodily harm or property damage.
September 5 march
CJP and Protesters
The CJP had planned a Delhi march because it alleged that government assurances made when its agitation ended had not been fulfilled.
Centre and Authorities
The Centre reiterated its commitments in court, and the CJP withdrew the march after the assurances and judicial order.
Compensation for families
CJP and Protesters
The CJP demanded compensation for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET controversy and called for government accountability.
Centre and Authorities
The Centre said it would provide compensation and requested three months to formulate the modalities with the states.
- Constitutional power
- The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash the criminal cases.
- Covered protests
- The order concerns incidents linked to protests held between July 20 and July 25.
- States named
- FIRs were registered in Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam.
- Fresh cases
- No new FIRs may be registered over the covered protests, subject to the court’s stated exception.
- Exception
- The Centre and Delhi Police may register cases against 2,873 named individuals if involvement in bodily harm or property damage is established.
- Compensation
- The Centre and states were directed to work on a compensation mechanism for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the controversy.
- Canceled event
- The CJP withdrew its proposed September 5 march in Delhi.
Sources
This is absolute justice: Dipke hails SC order
Supreme Court Quashes Nationwide FIRs Against NEET Protesters; CJP Cancels September 5 Rally
Supreme Court Quashes NEET Protest FIRs Across 5 States; CJP Calls Off September 5 Rally
Supreme Court Quashes FIRs Against NEET Protesters, CJP Withdraws September 5 March
