NEET Student Protests: Supreme Court Sets Up 5-Member Panel To Probe Excessive Use of Force by Delhi Police

The Supreme Court on Thursday constituted a five-member high-powered committee to investigate allegations of excessive and disproportionate use of force by police, paramilitary personnel and other security forces against students during protests over the NEET paper leak. The panel will examine the conduct of authorities as well as allegations of violence by protesters during the July 20 demonstration in Delhi, TOI reported.

Former Supreme Court judge to head panel

The committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy. Its other members are former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice Shalinder Kaur, former CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla and retired Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi. The Supreme Court said the panel had been constituted with members possessing relevant judicial, investigative and policing experience. 'Don't Lie to Children': Rahul Gandhi Hits Out at Kiren Rijiju Over Praise for Delhi Police's Handling of NEET Protests.

Allegations of Excessive Force Under Scrutiny

The committee will examine allegations that security personnel used excessive force while dealing with student protesters. Issues before the panel include allegations involving lathi charges, tear gas, pellet guns and electric batons. It will also examine claims of injuries to protesters and allegations of violence, harassment and molestation of women demonstrators. The panel will assess whether the force used by authorities was lawful and proportionate to the situation.

Police Conduct and Surveillance to Be Examined

The inquiry will also look at the conduct of police personnel during the protests, including whether officers were properly uniformed and wearing identification or nameplates. 'Government Does Not Feel Responsible Towards People': Priyanka Gandhi Questions Police Action Against Student Protesters.

Another issue is the alleged use of surveillance and facial-recognition technology to identify protesters. The committee is expected to examine these measures in the context of privacy and other fundamental rights. The panel will also consider whether adequate medical assistance was provided to people injured during the demonstrations and whether compensation should be considered for victims.

Authorities' allegations also part of inquiry

The Supreme Court's inquiry will not be limited to allegations against the security forces. The committee will also examine claims made by authorities concerning violence against police personnel and damage to public property during the protests. This is intended to provide an assessment of the events from both sides rather than focusing only on allegations against law-enforcement agencies.

July 20 protest triggered scrutiny

The Supreme Court's intervention follows the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march in Delhi, during which protesters seeking action over the NEET paper leak and examination-related concerns clashed with security personnel.

Police have denied allegations of excessive force, maintaining that they exercised restraint and used only the minimum force required to control the situation. The allegations subsequently reached the Supreme Court, which said an independent examination was necessary.

Panel to submit findings to Supreme Court

The five-member committee will investigate the allegations and place its findings before the Supreme Court. The court can consider the panel's observations while deciding further directions concerning the conduct of protests, crowd-control measures and the treatment of student demonstrators.

The development comes as the Supreme Court continues to examine broader concerns surrounding the NEET examination system, including security and institutional reforms following allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 05:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).