SC says states can close or withdraw FIRs against NEET protesters
The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that the Delhi government and other states can withdraw or close FIRs against students who participated in protests over the NEET paper leak, except those with criminal antecedents involving grave and heinous offences.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the term "criminal antecedents" would refer only to grave and heinous offences.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the Union government was committed to not pursuing FIRs against protesting students, except those with such criminal antecedents.
Mehta said FIRs against more than 2,700 people with records involving grave and heinous offences would not be withdrawn.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the court that several protesters, including children of lawyers, were allegedly beaten during the protests and submitted 300 videos showing alleged police excesses.
"The videos are very shocking. We have given 300 videos to the court," he said, urging the court to direct the Delhi Police commissioner and the director of the Rapid Action Force to examine allegations of excessive use of force, including lathis and pellet guns.
The court listed the matter for further hearing on Aug. 18.
The Supreme Court had earlier said police excesses and lathi charges could not be justified merely because an agitation was taking place and emphasised that the right to peaceful protest was "absolutely guaranteed".
The July 20 protest in Delhi had witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel, who used lathis and tear gas shells to disperse crowds attempting to march towards Parliament.
