NEET 2026 Protest FIRs: SC to Hear Centre’s Plea to Quash Cases Against Students Today

The Supreme Court will today, September 1, 2026, hear a plea from the Centre and Delhi Police seeking to quash First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students involved in protests over the NEET paper leak. This hearing follows earlier proceedings where the apex court also agreed to address allegations of excessive force used by police against student protesters.

The Centre is invoking Article 142 of the Constitution to seek the quashing of these FIRs, a move that could provide significant relief to numerous students facing legal action. The protests, which began on June 20, 2026, at Jantar Mantar and were called off on July 25, 2026, were primarily centered around demands for the resignation of the then Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.

NEET 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Proceedings

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will preside over today’s hearing. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta submitted the Centre’s intention to move an interlocutory application regarding the quashing of FIRs, specifically stating, “We want to move an IA (interlocutory application). It’s regarding that protest for quashing of FIRs.. We are invoking Article 142 (of the Constitution).” This constitutional provision grants the Supreme Court extraordinary powers to pass any order necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.

Separately, the Supreme Court had previously agreed to hear two petitions on July 27, 2026, alleging excessive use of force by police against students participating in these protests. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted the issue, stating, “police excess is going against students.” Chief Justice Surya Kant described the situation as “reckless,” indicating the court’s serious view on the matter. The Delhi High Court has also issued notice to the Delhi Police and the Union of India in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging similar police excesses.

Background of the NEET 2026 Protests

The widespread agitation began on June 20, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, following allegations of a paper leak in the NEET examination. The protests escalated, culminating in a Parliament march on July 20, 2026, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This march saw clashes between protesters and security personnel. The CJP, a political entity, was launched by political communications professional Abhijeet Dipke, playing a significant role in mobilising student sentiment.

The protests continued for over a month before being officially called off on July 25, 2026. During this period, the primary demand from the student community and various political groups was the resignation of the then Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

Enquiry Committee and Clarifications

To address the widespread concerns, the Supreme Court had earlier constituted a high-powered enquiry committee. This committee is headed by former apex court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, tasked with investigating the allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and related issues. The formation of such a committee underscores the gravity with which the judiciary is approaching the matter.

In addition, on August 3, 2026, the top court issued a crucial clarification regarding ‘criminal antecedents.’ The court stated that this term referred only to those involved in grave and heinous offences, thereby potentially narrowing the scope of FIRs that could be maintained against student protesters and offering some relief to those involved in less severe actions during the demonstrations.

NEET 2026 Protests: Important Dates

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

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