Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 to Quash Anti-NEET Protest FIRs
SC invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against youth protesters in connection with nationwide anti-NEET demonstrations held between July 20 and July 25.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs registered against protesters in connection with the anti-NEET demonstrations held between July 20 and 25. The court also directed that no fresh FIRs be registered by states or Union Territories for incidents covered by the order.
The ruling came after applications were filed by five states seeking closure of the cases. The court said the decision was aimed at ensuring complete justice and taking into account the future prospects of young people who had participated in the protests. CJP Withdraws September 5 Delhi Protest March After Centre Assures Supreme Court on FIRs.
Supreme Court Quashes FIRs Against Anti-NEET Protesters
Court Invokes Article 142
The bench exercised the Supreme Court's special powers under Article 142 to bring an end to the FIRs listed before it. The court further directed that any other FIRs connected with the same incidents in any state or Union Territory should not be pursued or investigated and would be treated as closed.
The decision followed commitments made before the court by the Centre and several states, along with a statement presented by a co-convenor of the protesting organisation. Abhijeet Dipke Says BJP Should Listen to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Exception for 2,873 People
While granting broad relief to protesters, the Supreme Court made an exception concerning 2,873 people identified in an application filed by the Centre and Delhi Police. The court said the Centre and Delhi Police would remain free to register fresh FIRs against these individuals, without affecting their right to pursue appropriate legal remedies.
The distinction allows authorities to continue proceedings against those specifically identified while preventing a wider reopening of cases arising from the protests covered by the order.
Compensation Framework Ordered
The Supreme Court also addressed the issue of compensation arising from the NEET-related developments. It directed that modalities for a pan-India compensation mechanism be worked out in consultation with states and Union Territories. The court said the framework should subsequently be adopted as a regular mechanism for compensatory measures.
The Centre was also directed to provide compensation within three months in cases involving suicides linked to NEET 2026, according to the court's order.
Protests Had Sought Accountability Over NEET
The protests were held amid demands for accountability over issues surrounding NEET and called for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The July 20-25 demonstrations led to multiple FIRs across states, including cases arising from incidents during protests in Delhi. Delhi Police had separately approached the Supreme Court seeking to withdraw 13 FIRs related to the July 20 violence while seeking permission to proceed against 2,873 individuals.
CJP Welcomes Supreme Court Order
Reacting to the ruling, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which had been associated with the protests, thanked the Supreme Court and described the decision as "historic".
The ruling provides significant legal relief to protesters whose cases fall within the scope of the court's order, while preserving the authorities' ability to pursue specified individuals in the separate category identified before the court.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 04:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).