The Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of FIRs filed against people who protested over the NEET paper leak in Delhi and other states. The cases relate to allegations of violence and damage to public property during demonstrations, with the government arguing that criminal proceedings could affect the future of young students and their families.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the plea on Monday before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Suryakant, according to ANI. He sought urgent consideration and said the Centre was asking the court to use its exceptional powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Article 142 allows the Supreme Court to issue orders needed to secure complete justice. The Centre wants those powers used to end the FIRs in what it describes as exceptional circumstances.
Why the Centre wants the cases withdrawn
The plea says students and parents were widely angered by the NEET paper-leak issue. Demonstrations became tense at some locations, leading to clashes with police and the registration of several FIRs in Delhi and other states.
The cases include allegations involving damage to public property, incitement to violence and disruption of law and order. The Centre’s position is that the legal action should be viewed in the broader context of the protests and their possible effect on the future of a large number of young students.
The petition also says investigating agencies took action in some cases. Even so, the government believes intervention by the Supreme Court is necessary when the overall circumstances are considered.
The matter is scheduled to come up next on 1 September.
Political response and planned Delhi march
Cockroach Janata Party has criticised the Centre’s position, alleging that the government did not fulfil assurances made to protestors. The party says the Centre is seeking relief from the Supreme Court while concrete action on the demonstrators’ demands has not taken place on the ground.
CJP has announced a protest march in Delhi for 5 September. The march is planned to begin at India Gate and end at Delhi Police Headquarters.
According to the party, families of students affected by the NEET paper leak, parents and people alleging police brutality and excessive use of force will take part. CJP has described the proposed march as peaceful and has sought adequate security and permission from Delhi Police.
What happens next
The Supreme Court will consider the Centre’s request at its next hearing on 1 September. The petition seeks the quashing of FIRs connected with the protests, while the planned 5 September march keeps the wider dispute over the alleged paper leak, police action and government assurances in public focus.
Conclusion
The Centre’s plea places the future of NEET protest-related FIRs before the Supreme Court, with the next hearing set for 1 September. CJP’s announced Delhi march indicates that the dispute remains active outside the courtroom as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What has the Centre asked the Supreme Court to do?
The Centre has asked the court to quash FIRs registered against protestors during demonstrations over the NEET paper leak.
Q. Where were the FIRs registered?
The FIRs were registered in Delhi and other states.
Q. What allegations are linked to the cases?
The allegations include violence, damage to public property, incitement to violence and disruption of law and order.
Q. Which constitutional provision is the Centre invoking?
The Centre is relying on Article 142, which gives the Supreme Court exceptional powers to pass orders needed to secure complete justice.
Q. When is the next Supreme Court hearing?
The next hearing is scheduled for 1 September.
Q. What has Cockroach Janata Party announced?
CJP has announced a protest march in Delhi for 5 September.
Q. Where will the CJP march begin and end?
The march is planned to start at India Gate and finish at Delhi Police Headquarters.
Q. Who is expected to join the march?
CJP says affected students’ families, parents and people alleging police brutality and excessive force will participate.
