The Supreme Court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, quashed FIRs registered against students who participated in protests linked to the NEET-UG 2026 paper-leak controversy. The court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to bring legal proceedings against the protesters to an end. The order covers cases registered in Delhi and several states in connection with protests held between July 20 and 25. The decision comes after applications from Delhi Police and the governments of Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam. The move provides major relief to students who faced criminal cases following the nationwide agitation.Why Were NEET Protest FIRs Quashed?The Supreme Court's decision followed a series of hearings concerning the treatment of students during the protests. The demonstrations were linked to allegations surrounding the NEET-UG examination and demands for action over the paper-leak controversy. The court had earlier allowed states to close or withdraw FIRs against protesters who did not have serious criminal backgrounds. On Tuesday, it went further by formally quashing the FIRs placed before it.FIRs linked to the July 20–25 protests have been quashed.The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 for the decision.Cases were registered in Delhi and several states.The Centre and states sought withdrawal of the cases.Students involved in the protests received major legal relief.Background To NEET ProtestsThe protests began amid anger over allegations of irregularities and a question-paper leak connected with NEET-UG 2026. Demonstrations took place in Delhi and later spread to several states. Some protests witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security personnel, leading to arrests, detentions and criminal cases.The Supreme Court had already intervened in July after petitions raised allegations of excessive police action against protesters. On July 28, the court directed the release of students below 18 years who had been arrested or detained during the demonstrations. It later clarified that states could close or withdraw FIRs involving students, subject to the law and the exclusion of people with grave and heinous criminal antecedents.Also Read: AIIMS CRE Exam Cancelled After Jaipur Power Failure, Re-Test SetCourt Gives Wider ReliefThe latest order expands the relief available to protesters. The Supreme Court said the FIRs mentioned before it would stand quashed and directed that FIRs connected with the same protests in other states or Union Territories, if not placed before the court, should not be pursued or investigated and would be treated as closed.The proceedings involved applications from Delhi Police and four states seeking the court's intervention. Reports indicate that Delhi Police had earlier sought to withdraw 13 FIRs registered during the protests. The police had also sought permission to investigate people allegedly having serious criminal backgrounds separately.Decision Ends Major Legal UncertaintyThe ruling is significant for students who faced criminal proceedings after participating in the NEET protests. It removes the immediate threat of prosecution in the FIRs covered by the order and follows the government's assurance that students would not be targeted or harassed over the agitation.The development also has a wider impact on the continuing debate over the NEET controversy and the treatment of student protesters. The Supreme Court's intervention seeks to distinguish ordinary participation in the protests from cases involving serious criminal allegations. The court's order therefore provides relief while retaining a separate legal approach for individuals with grave criminal antecedents.Key HighlightsSupreme Court order: FIRs linked to the specified NEET protests have been quashed.Article 142: The court used its extraordinary constitutional powers.Protest period: The order concerns demonstrations held between July 20 and 25.States involved: Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam sought relief.Student relief: Protesters covered by the order will no longer face those FIR proceedings.Serious cases: Individuals with grave criminal antecedents remain subject to separate legal scrutiny.Relief For NEET ProtestersThe Supreme Court's decision marks a major development in the legal proceedings arising from the NEET-UG 2026 protests. By quashing the FIRs and directing that related cases not before the court should not be pursued, the court has brought significant relief to students involved in the agitation. The ruling also reflects the distinction between peaceful student participation and serious criminal conduct. Further legal action, where permitted by the order, will depend on the nature of individual allegations and criminal antecedents.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only. It is based on publicly reported developments and the Supreme Court's reported order; readers should refer to the official court record for the complete legal text.
