The Supreme Court on Tuesday used its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to cancel FIRs registered against youth protesters during the nationwide paper leak agitation held between July 20 and 25.
The court also directed states and Union Territories not to pursue other cases linked to the same incidents or register fresh FIRs. However, the Centre and Delhi Police can take legal action against 2,873 individuals if an investigation finds their involvement in serious crimes, including violence or property damage.
The Supreme Court said its decision considered the future of young people who had joined the protests peacefully and with genuine intentions.
The court also asked the Centre, states and Union Territories to develop a pan-India compensation mechanism. The government was directed to provide compensation within three months in cases involving suicides linked to NEET 2026.
Following the order and the Centre’s assurances, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) withdrew its planned September 5 protest march in Delhi. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das described the Supreme Court’s decision as a historic step.