Supreme Court ready to quash FIRs filed against students for NEET protests
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to use its exceptional power under Article 142 to quash FIRs filed against students who participated in nationwide protests over the NEET-UG exam paper leaks. The court sought a list of FIRs involving only students and plans to form a high-powered committee to examine the issues, distinguishing students from individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
Why it matters
This decision offers significant relief to students facing legal repercussions for peaceful protests and underscores the judiciary's role in protecting civil liberties, while also addressing systemic issues related to national examination integrity.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) agreed to use an exceptional power under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students who joined nationwide protests over the NEET-UG exam paper leaks that led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister and compelled the government to introspect.
The court sought a list of FIRs in which only students were named.
“We will quash these FIRs by invoking Article 142. FIRs involving elements with serious criminal antecedents would be decided subject to discussion in court,” Chief Justice Surya Kant, heading a three-judge Bench, said.
The Bench said it would constitute a high-powered committee to examine all the issues concerning the NEET-UG protests, and invited suggestions from the advocates appearing in the case.
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