In a significant interim order on the Supreme Court NEET Protest case, the apex court on Tuesday directed authorities to immediately release student protesters who are below 18 years of age and have no criminal antecedents. The court also ordered all concerned authorities to preserve electronic and digital evidence related to the nationwide demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak, while emphasising the need for a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of violence during the protests.
The order was passed while hearing a batch of petitions alleging excessive use of police force during student demonstrations held across several states. The Supreme Court observed that allegations made by both students and law enforcement agencies required an independent examination to establish the facts.
Supreme Court Directs Protection for Eligible Student Protesters
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana directed that all protesting students below the age of 18, who do not have any criminal record, should be released without delay.
The court also restrained authorities from taking any coercive action against eligible student protesters while the matter remains under judicial consideration. However, the Bench clarified that this protection would not apply to individuals with criminal antecedents or those found involved in serious unlawful activities.
The judges noted that peaceful student protesters should not face unnecessary hardship while the court examines the legality of police action during the demonstrations.
Court Orders Preservation of Digital Evidence
One of the key directions issued by the court was the preservation of all digital and electronic evidence related to the protests.
The Bench directed all states where demonstrations were held to securely preserve CCTV footage, drone recordings, body-camera footage, wireless communication records, PCR logs, video recordings and other digital material connected to the protests.
The court further ordered that any digital information collected about protesters must be preserved for the purpose of investigation but should not be made public, in order to protect the privacy and legal rights of those involved.
Fair Probe Into Alleged Police Excess and Violence
The Supreme Court observed that the allegations in the petitions warranted a fair and independent investigation into the incidents that occurred during last week’s protests.
The court said the inquiry should examine allegations of injuries suffered by protesting students as well as those sustained by police personnel deployed during the demonstrations.
According to submissions before the court, more than 200 police personnel were reportedly injured during the protests. The Bench noted that the concerns of both injured students and police officers deserved equal attention in any impartial investigation.
States Asked to Respond
The apex court sought responses from the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where major demonstrations took place following the NEET paper leak controversy.
The court asked the concerned state governments to respond to allegations relating to police action, detention of students and handling of protests.
Meanwhile, the Bench permitted the Delhi Government to continue investigations into FIRs already registered in connection with the protests but directed that no coercive action should be taken against eligible student protesters during the pendency of the proceedings.
Centre Says Miscreants Were Also Involved
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that while students have the right to express their concerns peacefully, certain anti-social elements allegedly took advantage of the protests and were involved in violent incidents.
He assured the court that the government distinguishes between genuine student protesters and individuals allegedly responsible for violence or destruction of public property.
The court took note of the submission while reiterating that the investigation should objectively determine individual responsibility based on evidence.
NEET Paper Leak Triggered Nationwide Demonstrations
The NEET paper leak controversy has emerged as one of India’s biggest education-related issues in recent years. Allegations of examination irregularities sparked widespread protests by students demanding accountability, examination reforms and action against those responsible.
The issue has led to multiple investigations, arrests and prolonged political debate. It has also resulted in repeated disruptions in Parliament, with Opposition parties demanding greater accountability and reforms in the country’s examination system.
The Supreme Court has been hearing multiple petitions related to the controversy, including matters concerning investigation, student rights and police action during demonstrations.
Case Remains Under Judicial Scrutiny
With its latest interim directions, the Supreme Court has sought to balance the protection of peaceful student protesters with the need for an impartial investigation into allegations arising from the protests.
The court’s emphasis on preserving digital evidence and ensuring a fair inquiry is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events during the nationwide demonstrations. The matter will now proceed after responses are filed by the concerned state governments, with the apex court expected to issue further directions based on the evidence placed before it.
Also read: Supreme Court Directs Forensic Audit in Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case, UP Forms SIT
Follow for more updates: www.instagram.com/imnindia.news/
Leave a comment