New Delhi: The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of 13 FIRs registered in Delhi in connection with protests over the NEET paper-leak controversy, in what CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das described as a positive development for students and young protesters.
According to Das, the government has also assured that protesters will not be targeted or harassed in the future. The development comes ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on the Delhi Police application on September 1.
Delhi Police Seeks Quashing of 13 FIRs
The Delhi Police has approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to withdraw or quash 13 FIRs connected with the NEET-related protests. The application invokes the Supreme Court’s extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The cases relate to allegations arising from protests in Delhi, including incidents involving violence and damage to property. The police has also proposed filing a fresh FIR against 2,873 people who were allegedly present at the protest site and are being examined for their possible involvement in the violence.
Saurav Das Welcomes Government Move
Reacting to the development, Saurav Das said the government had assured protesters that there would be no further targeting or harassment in connection with the demonstrations.
Das also expressed hope that similar steps would be taken by BJP-NDA governments in other states where cases were registered against students and protesters. He said the CJP would continue monitoring the situation.
The CJP spokesperson also indicated that discussions with the government have covered not only the withdrawal of FIRs but also compensation for families of students who died following the NEET controversy.
Supreme Court Hearing on September 1
The Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the Delhi Police application on Tuesday, September 1. The matter comes amid continuing legal and political attention over the handling of the student protests.
The court has previously issued interim relief in matters involving student protesters, including directions concerning minors and protesters without criminal antecedents. It has also stressed the importance of preserving evidence such as CCTV, drone and body-camera footage related to the protests and alleged police action.
CJP Plans September 5 Protest March
Meanwhile, the CJP has announced a protest march in Delhi for September 5. The Supreme Court on August 31 declined to prohibit the proposed march, saying that maintaining law and order was primarily the responsibility of the government and police.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said organisers and authorities should act peacefully and within the framework of the law. The court also directed concerns regarding alleged police violence to be placed before the high-powered committee constituted to examine the matter.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court’s decision on the 13 FIRs could provide significant relief to protesters facing criminal proceedings linked to the NEET agitation. However, the proposed fresh FIR concerning 2,873 people means that the legal controversy surrounding the protests is not necessarily over.
For students and their families, the immediate focus will be on the Supreme Court hearing, the status of the FIRs and the government’s position on compensation.
The latest development marks a significant turn in the dispute, shifting the focus from street protests to the courtroom as the government and protesters await the Supreme Court’s decision.
