The Supreme Court on September 1 directed that criminal cases registered against student protesters in connection with demonstrations held between July 20 and 25 shall not be pursued across India.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to quash the FIRs covered by applications filed by the Centre and the States of Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam. The Court also extended the relief to similar FIRs registered in other States and Union Territories.
Background of the Case
The proceedings arose from petitions concerning student protests over examination-related issues, including allegations concerning paper leaks and the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The Supreme Court had earlier considered whether the FIRs could be withdrawn, particularly after being informed about legal complications involved in closing criminal cases once they had been registered. The Court had also indicated that its special powers under Article 142 could be used to resolve the issue.
Supreme Court's Observations
The Bench said the decision was being taken while keeping in mind the future of students who had participated in the protests.
“Keeping in view the future prospects of the young protesters who came to participate in a peaceful protest to raise their voice in support of certain demands, we deem it appropriate to invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in order to do complete justice between the parties.”
The Court further directed that no fresh FIR shall be registered in relation to incidents arising from the protests between July 20 and July 25.
However, the Delhi Police was permitted to register one FIR concerning 2,873 individuals identified as having serious criminal antecedents. The Court limited the proposed investigation to allegations involving bodily harm and destruction of property.
Compensation for Families
The Bench also recorded the Centre's assurance regarding compensation to families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026.
The Court directed the Union Government to formulate a pan-India compensation policy within three months and circulate it to the concerned State Governments and implementing authorities.
Court's Decision
The Supreme Court made clear that its order was based on the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case and would not operate as a binding precedent.
The order was passed in Yashovardhan Azan and Others v. Union of India and Others, along with connected matters. The Court also recorded the withdrawal of the proposed September 5 protest following the assurances placed before it.
