The Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision Tuesday, wiping clean the legal slate for thousands of students who protested against NEET-UG paper leaks this summer. In a move that brings relief to anxious families across India, the court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to quash all FIRs filed between July 20 and July 25.

Key facts:

  • FIRs quashed for protests between July 20-25, 2026
  • Centre must create compensation scheme for injured protesters
  • Families of deceased students to receive payment within 3 months
  • Cockroach Janta Party cancels September 5 protest march

A Turning Point in Court

The atmosphere in Courtroom No. 1 shifted from tense to hopeful as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made an unexpected plea. He urged the bench to use the court's plenary powers to close all cases against NEET protesters nationwide during those critical five days in July. The government's commitment to honor its assurances became suddenly, vividly real.

Compensation and Closure

Beyond dismissing charges, the court ordered something remarkable: a formal compensation mechanism for those injured in police action during the protests. This scheme, once finalized by the Centre, will become a standardized approach for states and union territories facing similar situations. Meanwhile, families grieving students who took their lives after the exam cancellations will receive payments within ninety days.

Mr. Das said that the decision was taken after "assurances" from the Centre regarding withdrawal of FIRs and compensation to victims.

That quote from CJP co-convener Saurav Das captures why the planned September 5 protest march was called off. When institutions listen, streets don't need to shout.

Looking Forward

The court's ruling doesn't mean complete amnesty. Delhi Police received permission to file fresh FIRs against 28,73 individuals, preserving their right to pursue specific cases. But for most protesters, the shadow of legal consequences has lifted. The high-powered enquiry committee under former Justice R. Subhash Reddy continues its work, probing allegations of police excesses during those heated days of demonstration.