Centre moves SC to quash FIRs against students on NEET protests

New Delhi: The Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of FIRs registered against students in connection with protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, including cases arising from claims of violence during demonstrations in Delhi and other states.

The government has urged the court to exercise its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to withdraw the criminal cases filed against protesting students. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta brought the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday, seeking urgent consideration. The Supreme Court is scheduled to take up the Centre’s request on September 1.

The FIRs stem from student-led protests that erupted in Delhi and elsewhere following allegations of a NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities. While the demonstrations focused on demands for accountability, some protesters were subsequently booked on charges of alleged violence during the agitation.

The Centre’s move assumes significance amid continuing dissatisfaction among students and families affected by the NEET controversy. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced another protest march in Delhi on September 5, alleging that the government's assurances have not been fulfilled.

The march will begin at India Gate and proceed towards the Delhi Police headquarters. CJP said families of NEET-affected candidates and people who allege that they faced police action during the protests will participate.

With the Supreme Court set to consider the Centre’s plea days before the proposed march, the decision on the FIRs could have a direct bearing on the next phase of the student protests.