Supreme Court refuses plea to ‘review’ order to quash FIRs against NEET-UG protestors

All India Students' Association (AISA) and other students organisation members stage a protest against the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged paper leak concerns following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday, May 14, 2026. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Supreme Court on Friday (October 9, 2026) refused to review its September 1 direction to quash FIRs against students and youth who participated in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak protests and were subject to a brutal police crackdown on July 20 in the national capital.

The FIRs were quashed by the court using its extraordinary powers to administer complete justice under the Constitution.

“You have to appreciate… We do not use Article 142 in every situation. We did it concerned for their parents. These students have a long life. They have future prospects, we don’t want them entangled in court proceedings,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who appeared for the petitioner.

Mumbai resident and senior citizen L. Ramanathan, in a petition filed through advocate Linto K.B., questioned the judicial overpowering of the basic police function to investigate a crime.