Students Get Supreme Court Relief as CJP Calls Off September 5 Protest After FIRs Quashed

Supreme Court Quashes FIRs Against July Student Protesters, CJP Calls Off September 5 Delhi March

New Delhi: In a significant relief for students who participated in the July protests against the NEET paper leak, the Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed FIRs registered in connection with the protests between July 20 and 25, 2026.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant invoked the Supreme Court’s extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, observing that many young protesters had participated in the demonstrations bona fide and that their future should be protected.

The court directed that any other FIRs related to the same incidents in any state or Union Territory that had not been brought before it should not be pursued or investigated. It also barred states and UTs from registering fresh FIRs over the protests during the specified period.

However, the court allowed the Centre and Delhi Police to proceed against 2,873 individuals who were alleged to have serious criminal records, including cases involving offences such as murder, rape, dacoity and other grave crimes.

The ruling came after the Centre and several states sought the quashing of the cases. The court also directed the Centre to formulate a pan-India framework for compensation to families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET 2026 controversy.

Following the Supreme Court's order and assurances from the government, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that it was withdrawing its proposed September 5 protest march in Delhi.

CJP spokesperson and co-convenor Saurav Das told the court that the organisation was calling off the march in view of the government's assurances and the judicial order.

The Supreme Court welcomed the constructive approach adopted by both sides and said that the commitments made before the court should be honoured.

The development marks a major turn in the standoff between the student protesters and the government, with the Supreme Court stressing the importance of protecting the future of young demonstrators while allowing lawful action against individuals accused of serious criminal offences.