Supreme Court Quashes FIRs Against NEET Protesters Across India
The Supreme Court has ordered the quashing of FIRs registered against protesters who participated in student demonstrations related to the NEET paper-leak controversy. The court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure complete justice. The decision came after the Centre and several states approached the court seeking relief for protesters.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the quashing of FIRs registered against protesters who participated in student demonstrations linked to the NEET paper-leak controversy.
The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, invoked the court's inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do complete justice and directed that the FIRs connected with the July student protests be quashed.
The development came after the Central government and four states urged the Supreme Court to provide relief to people who had participated in protests in Delhi and other parts of the country.
Protest March in Delhi Called Off
Earlier on Tuesday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that it was withdrawing its proposed protest march in Delhi scheduled for September 5.
The decision followed assurances from the Centre regarding several demands, including the withdrawal of cases registered against protesters.
CJP co-convenor Saurav Das informed the Supreme Court that the organisation had decided to withdraw the call for the September 5 march in view of the government's assurances and the order being passed by the court.
Das said the party would now look forward to the implementation of the Supreme Court's order.
Supreme Court Invokes Article 142
The Supreme Court's decision was based on its powers under Article 142, which allows the court to pass orders necessary to do complete justice in matters before it.
The order provides relief to protesters who faced criminal cases in connection with the student demonstrations.
The development is expected to bring significant relief to those who participated in protests following allegations surrounding the NEET examination and paper-leak controversy.
Government Assurances Lead to De-escalation
The Centre's intervention before the Supreme Court and assurances regarding the withdrawal of cases played a key role in the decision to call off the proposed Delhi march.
With the Supreme Court now ordering the quashing of the FIRs, the CJP has indicated that it will focus on ensuring compliance with the court's directions rather than proceeding with the planned protest.