CJP news LIVE updates: Key SC hearing on quashing FIRs expected today; CJI says ‘no defects please’

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday quashed all First Information Reports registered against students who participated in nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party between July 20 and July 25. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to do complete justice, citing the future prospects of young student protesters. In addition to dismissing the criminal cases, the apex court ordered the central government to formulate a pan-India policy within three months to compensate the families of students who ended their lives following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

The court clarified that its order covers all student-related cases nationwide, stating that any related FIRs registered across states or Union Territories that were not directly before the bench will also be treated as closed. However, at the request of the Union government, the Supreme Court granted permission to the Delhi Police to register fresh FIRs against 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents who were identified at the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi. Law enforcement officials indicated that an investigation is required to ascertain their role in offences involving bodily harm or destruction of property.

Addressing the issue of compensation for families affected by the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test undergraduate paper leak, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that the central government remains committed to implementing the relief measures. Mehta requested additional time from the court to work out the specific modalities for formulating the pan-India policy and disbursing the financial support within the mandated three-month timeframe.

Following the Supreme Court ruling and the assurances provided by the Centre, Cockroach Janta Party co-convenor Saurav Das informed the bench that the group would withdraw its call for a protest march in Delhi previously scheduled for September 5. The demonstration had been planned for Teachers Day to highlight alleged police excesses and support the families of students impacted by the cancellation and subsequent re-test of the NEET exam.

To address allegations of law enforcement misconduct during the demonstrations, the Supreme Court had previously constituted a high-powered enquiry committee headed by former apex court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy. The panel is tasked with investigating reports of police excesses against students during the nationwide agitations against the NEET-UG exam paper leaks.

The agitation originally commenced at Jantar Mantar on June 20 over alleged exam irregularities, gaining further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement. The demonstrations were eventually called off on July 25 following talks with the government, coinciding with the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Centre agreeing to address the key demands of the protesting students.

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