SC orders immediate release of detained protesters (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the immediate release of students who were detained or arrested during the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, provided they do not have any previous criminal record.
The court also said that no coercive action should be taken against individuals booked solely in connection with the protests if they have no prior criminal history. The order came while the apex court was hearing a batch of petitions related to the protests and allegations of excessive police action.
The bench observed that the petitions raised serious questions regarding the protection of fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. According to the petitions, several demonstrations that began at Delhi's Jantar Mantar later spread to multiple states, where protesters allegedly faced disproportionate use of force.
The court clarified that the allegations are yet to be examined and no findings have been reached on their merits.
The petitioners alleged that police used measures such as lathi-charge, tear gas and pellet guns while dispersing students protesting against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The petitions also referred to allegations involving rubber bullets, electric batons, nail-fitted lathis and assaults on journalists covering the demonstrations.
Also Read: Big Relief For NEET Protesters: Bihar Govt To Withdraw FIRs, Release All Detained Students
The Supreme Court has not ruled on the authenticity of these claims, which remain under judicial consideration.
The apex court issued notices to the governments of Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, directing them to file responses to the allegations made in the petitions.
To ensure that evidence is not lost during the proceedings, the Supreme Court directed all concerned authorities to preserve CCTV footage related to the protests. The recordings are expected to play an important role as the court examines the allegations and the responses submitted by the state governments.
