NEET Protests: SC Weighs Quashing Old FIRs, New Probe for 'Serious Offenders'

India's Supreme Court is currently hearing a crucial plea from the Delhi Police, which seeks to quash 13 existing police cases (First Information Report or FIR) against students who participated in protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Simultaneously, the police want permission to register a fresh, targeted FIR against 2,873 individuals, alleging their involvement in violence and property damage during the demonstrations. This move by the authorities aims to draw a clear line between peaceful student protesters and those accused of more serious offenses. This significant legal development stems from widespread student unrest earlier this year, sparked by the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) exam paper, leading to its cancellation and re-examination. The Delhi Police application invokes Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court special powers to deliver 'complete justice'. The Centre had earlier, on July 25, decided to withdraw general cases against protesters, but the current plea targets those identified with 'serious criminal antecedents' – a term the Supreme Court previously clarified to mean grave and heinous offenses. Many of the July 20-25 protests, including a 'Chalo Sansad' march, were organized by groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and allegedly involved clashes with security personnel. Today's Supreme Court hearing is vital, as its outcome could establish a precedent for how authorities handle large-scale public demonstrations in the future, particularly regarding the balance between the right to protest and maintaining law and order. The decision will directly impact the legal standing of thousands of students and could influence the CJP planned protest march on September 5, which continues to demand the full withdrawal of all FIR against the student community. Meanwhile, investigations into the original NEET paper leak continue, with both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the alleged scam and its financial trails.