2.

These applications have been moved by: (i) the Delhi Police, (ii) the State of Bihar, (iii) the State of West Bengal, (iv) the State of Assam, and (v) the State of Maharashtra, inter-alia, seeking to invoke the powers of this Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India and quash the FIRs registered in the period between 20.07.2026 – 25.07.2026 during the students’ protest initiated in the backdrop of the irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, 2026.

The full description of such FIRs is given in paragraph 2 of the respective applications. Notably, in paragraph 4 of the application moved by the Delhi Police, further permission has been sought to register one fresh FIR with respect to 2873 individuals, who are said to have serious criminal antecedents as per the National Crime Records Bureau database.

4.

It is a matter of record that protests were held between 20.07.2026 and 25.07.2026 in Delhi and in different areas of the applicant-States as well as other parts of the country in which thousands of young students participated. As a sequel to these protests, 13 FIRs, details whereof have been reproduced above, came to be filed by the Delhi Police in different police stations. Similarly, several FIRs, as reproduced above, were also filed in different police stations across the applicant-States.

9.

During the course of hearing, the learned Solicitor General of India has fairly stated that there may be more FIRs in the States and Union Territories other than the applicant-States pertaining to the same incidents of protests. He has submitted that it may be advisable to put an end to those FIRs too. He has accordingly sought appropriate directions from this Court for the closure of those FIRs as well.

12.

We have heard learned Solicitor General of India as well as learned senior counsel/counsel for the parties and taken note of the statement made by the Co-convenor of the CJP. In light of the commitment made before us by all stakeholders involved, including the Union of India, some of the State Governments and the Co-convenor of the CJP, and most importantly, keeping in view the future prospects of the young protesters, who bonafidely came to participate in a peaceful protest to raise their voice in favour of certain demands, we find it a fit case to invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in order to do complete justice between the parties.

13.

Consequently, these applications are allowed in terms of the following directions:

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13. (iii)

No State/Union Territory shall register any fresh FIR in relation to the incident of protests between 20.07.2026 and 25.07.2026, save and except as permitted hereinbelow.

13. (iv)

The Central Government/Delhi Police shall be at liberty to register a fresh FIR with respect to the 2873 individuals as described in paragraph 4 of its application. Needless to say that such FIR shall be registered without prejudice to the rights of the affected parties to take lawful recourse in accordance with law.

13. (v)

The Central Government, in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territories, is directed to formulate the policy/make arrangement on a pan-India basis for payment of compensation to the families of the students who unfortunately committed suicide in connection with the NEET-UG examination, 2026 within 90 days and shall arrange to make the payment without any delay. Such a policy or arrangement may then also be adopted by all the State Governments and the Union Territories as a regular mechanism of compensatory measures.

14.

In light of the aforesaid directions, we direct that both sides shall honour the statements and commitments made before this Court. We make it clear that invocation of the extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution is subject to the condition that both sides shall abide by the terms/understanding of mutual settlement.

15.

Since these directions are being issued in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, the same shall not be taken as a binding precedent.

16.

Before parting, we place on record our appreciation for the Union of India, the applicant-States, the counsel appearing for the Petitioner(s), and the leaders of the CJP for their constructive and cooperative approach, which has ensured that the best interests of the young students remain at the forefront and that their future is duly protected and secured.

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