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NEET Protest: Supreme Court Hears Case on FIRs Against Students, Sets Next Date
· Source: Amar Ujala
The Central Government has stated in the Supreme Court that FIRs against students involved in the NEET protest will not be pursued, except for individuals linked to serious offenses. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for 18 August.
Centre's Stand on FIRs Against Students
During the Supreme Court hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the Central Government stands by its position that FIRs registered against students participating in the NEET protest will not be pursued further. However, cases registered against individuals involved in serious and heinous criminal offenses will not be withdrawn. He informed the court that it has been decided not to withdraw FIRs against more than 2,700 people associated with serious crimes.
Arguments Presented in the Supreme Court
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted before the court that even the children of lawyers were assaulted during the protest. He informed the court of the following points:
- Around 300 videos related to the incident have been submitted to the court.
- A demand was made to question the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Director of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on why measures like lathicharge and pellet guns were used during the protest.
- Several individuals who were not in uniform were identified as being involved in the police action.
Supreme Court's Earlier Remarks and Clashes During Protest
The Supreme Court had previously noted that police excesses or lathicharge cannot be justified merely because a protest occurred, reiterating that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected. On 20 July, clashes took place between protesters and security forces during a CJP-led march in Delhi. Security forces used lathicharge and tear gas shells to stop the protesters marching towards Parliament.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Clashes during CJP-led protest march | 20 July |
| Next Supreme Court hearing | 18 August |
Questions
Will all FIRs registered during the NEET protest be withdrawn?
FIRs against students will not be pursued further, but cases will not be withdrawn against more than 2,700 individuals linked to serious and heinous criminal offenses.
When took place the clash between protesters and security forces?
The clash occurred on 20 July during a CJP-led march towards Parliament in Delhi.
When is the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled?
The Supreme Court has set the next hearing of the case for 18 August.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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