Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed the immediate release of students detained or arrested during the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, provided they have no prior criminal record.

The Court also ordered that no coercive action be taken against students who were booked solely for participating in the demonstrations and have no previous criminal cases.

Court Hears Petitions on Alleged Police Action

The directions came while the apex court was hearing a batch of petitions related to the violence reported during protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The Court observed that the petitions raised serious concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, particularly the rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and personal liberty.

The incidents under scrutiny began during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and later spread to several other states.

Read more: Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Ram Temple Donation Theft Case, CBI-SIT Plea Deferred

Petitioners Allege Excessive Use of Force

According to the petitions, students who gathered to protest the alleged NEET paper leak were subjected to excessive police force.

The allegations placed before the Court include:

• Alleged use of pellet guns, with claims that one student lost vision in one eye.
• Alleged firing of rubber bullets, resulting in injuries to several protesters.
• Alleged use of electric batons to disperse crowds.
• Alleged use of nail-fitted lathis, causing serious injuries.
• Alleged assault on a journalist covering the demonstrations.

The Supreme Court has not made any findings on these allegations, which remain under judicial consideration.

Notices Issued to Seven States

The apex court issued notices to the governments of:

• Delhi
• Bihar
• Maharashtra
• Assam
• West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh
• Kerala

The states have been directed to respond to the allegations raised in the petitions concerning the handling of the protests.

CCTV Footage to Be Preserved

To safeguard evidence, the Supreme Court directed all concerned authorities to preserve CCTV footage related to the protest incidents.

The preserved footage is expected to assist the Court in examining the allegations and evaluating the responses submitted by the state governments.

The matter will be heard further after the states file their replies, as the Court continues to examine the petitions related to the alleged use of force during the NEET protest demonstrations.