Centre Seeks Quashing of 13 FIRs
The Union Government and Delhi Police have approached the Supreme Court over NEET Protest FIR Quashing. They seek the closure of 13 FIRs registered against student protesters during the July 2026 NEET-UG demonstrations. The authorities argued that prolonged criminal proceedings could harm the students’ education and careers.
The application cites “public and national interest” as a key reason for withdrawing the cases. It seeks to protect ordinary students from facing lengthy criminal proceedings over their participation in the protests.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the application before a three-judge Supreme Court Bench. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant presided over the Bench. The Court accepted the submission and listed the matter for hearing.
Government Invokes Article 142
The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to exercise its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The provision allows the Court to pass orders necessary to secure “complete justice.”
The authorities want the Court to use this power to bring the proceedings against ordinary students to an end. According to the application, continuing the cases could create unnecessary hardship for them.
At the same time, Delhi Police have sought permission to register one consolidated FIR against 2,873 identified individuals.
Fresh FIR Proposed Against 2,873 Individuals
Delhi Police reportedly identified these individuals after examining video footage from the demonstrations. Investigators also cross-checked information using the National Crime Records Bureau database.
The authorities claim that these individuals are not regular student protesters. Instead, the application alleges that some have serious criminal histories or pending cases.
Therefore, Delhi Police want to separate ordinary students from people allegedly involved in serious violence.
The proposed consolidated FIR would focus on specific criminal acts. These include rioting, serious injuries to police personnel and destruction of public property.
Facial Recognition Used in Identification
Investigators also relied on facial recognition technology to identify individuals present at protest sites.
According to the application, officials combined facial recognition data with criminal background checks. This process allegedly helped authorities distinguish students from individuals with previous criminal records.
The Solicitor General informed the Bench about the identification process. Justice Joymalya Bagchi was also part of the Bench hearing the matter.
Students to Receive Protection
The government has assured the Supreme Court that regular students will not face further action over their participation in the demonstrations.
Authorities have also stated that students will not face harassment or fresh legal proceedings connected with the previous protests.
The NEET Protest FIR Quashing request therefore seeks to separate peaceful student participation from allegations involving serious criminal conduct.
If the Supreme Court accepts the proposal, the existing 13 FIRs against student demonstrators would come to an end. However, authorities could continue investigating serious offences through the proposed consolidated FIR.
Background of NEET-UG Protests
The case arose from demonstrations over alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination.
The protests reportedly continued for several weeks and included demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Tensions later increased during a march towards Parliament.
Clashes occurred between protesters and security personnel. Police used crowd-control measures as the situation escalated.
The demonstrations focused on alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination and demands for administrative action.
Earlier Supreme Court Intervention
The latest application follows an earlier Supreme Court intervention on August 3.
At that stage, the Court indicated that criminal liability should focus on individuals accused of grave or heinous offences. This approach created a possible route for authorities to withdraw cases involving ordinary student protesters.
The Centre and Delhi Police have now asked the Supreme Court to formalise that distinction. They seek protection for students while preserving criminal proceedings against those allegedly involved in serious offences.
The Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether the 13 existing FIRs can be quashed and whether Delhi Police can proceed with a consolidated case against the identified individuals.
