Supreme Court refuses plea to ‘review’ order to quash FIRs against NEET-UG protestors
The Supreme Court of India has declined to review its previous order quashing FIRs against students involved in the NEET-UG 2026 protests. The court maintained that its intervention was necessary to protect the future of the students, while clarifying that police investigations into hardened criminals remain unaffected.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between judicial intervention under Article 142 and the executive's authority to conduct criminal investigations.
The Supreme Court on Friday (October 9, 2026) refused to review its September 1 direction to quash FIRs against students and youth who participated in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak protests and were subject to a brutal police crackdown on July 20 in the national capital.
The FIRs were quashed by the court using its extraordinary powers to administer complete justice under the Constitution.
“You have to appreciate… We do not use Article 142 in every situation. We did it concerned for their parents. These students have a long life. They have future prospects, we don’t want them entangled in court proceedings,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who appeared for the petitioner.
Mumbai resident and senior citizen L. Ramanathan, in a petition filed through advocate Linto K.B., questioned the judicial overpowering of the basic police function to investigate a crime.
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