Supreme Court Grants Major Relief to NEET Protesters; FIRs to Be Withdrawn

The Supreme Court has granted major relief to students who participated in protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, deciding to use its inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure that FIRs registered in connection with the student protests in July are withdrawn.

The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on July 20 under the banner of ‘Sansad Chalo’ at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration was held to protest the alleged NEET question paper leak and irregularities in the education system, and to demand the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

During the protest, clashes broke out between police personnel and protesters, leading to incidents of violence. Following the clashes, the Delhi Police registered several FIRs against protesting students and others. Similar protests were also held in different parts of the country, with cases being registered against protesters in several states.

The Supreme Court has now exercised its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to provide complete justice and facilitate the withdrawal of FIRs linked to the July student protests.

According to The Indian Express, the development came during a hearing before the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court had earlier, on August 3, clarified that the concerned authorities could decide whether to close or withdraw FIRs registered against students in connection with the protests.

The petitioners claimed that the Centre had agreed to withdraw the cases during discussions with CJP leaders aimed at ending the nationwide protests. The Centre subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking appropriate action regarding the withdrawal of the cases.

FIRs to Be Withdrawn Across States

Following the Centre’s steps and the Supreme Court’s intervention, the cases registered against protesters in Delhi and various other states are set to be withdrawn.

CJP Cancels September 5 March

Meanwhile, after the Centre took steps towards withdrawing the FIRs, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has cancelled its proposed march scheduled for September 5.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das informed the Supreme Court about the decision. Addressing the three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Das said that in view of the positive assurance given by the Government of India, the judicial approval granted by the court and the order expected to be passed, the party had decided to withdraw its call for the September 5 march.

Das also expressed hope that the authorities would comply with the Supreme Court’s order.

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