New Delhi, August 3: The Supreme Court has allowed the Delhi government and other state governments to withdraw or close FIRs registered against students who participated in the NEET protests, provided the cases do not involve serious criminal offences.
The court made it clear that allegations such as attempted murder and other grave offences will not qualify for withdrawal, and those cases must continue through the legal process.
The order was passed during the hearing of petitions alleging excessive use of force by police against students during the protests. The bench observed that governments may review and withdraw cases involving minor offences, while ensuring that individuals facing serious criminal charges remain subject to prosecution.
During the proceedings, the Central government maintained that cases involving grave offences, including attempt to murder and major acts of violence, should not be withdrawn. The court accepted this distinction and excluded such cases from its order.
The Supreme Court also announced that it would frame comprehensive guidelines on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies during crowd-control operations, aiming to ensure a balance between maintaining public order and protecting the rights of peaceful protesters.
The ruling is expected to provide relief to many students who participated in the NEET protests, while making it clear that those facing serious criminal charges will continue to face legal action.
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