Supreme Court Orders Release of Minors Held During NEET Protests

The Supreme Court has issued significant interim directions in cases related to the NEET protest arrests, ordering all states to immediately release minors and individuals with no criminal record who were detained during the demonstrations. Hearing petitions over the police action during the anti-NEET protests in Delhi, a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that while investigations into the registered FIRs may continue, no harsh or immediate action should be taken against eligible protesters. The court clarified that the relief would not apply to those facing serious criminal charges.

The Bench also stressed the need for an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of excessive police force during the protests. It observed that reports of injuries to students, women, lawyers, and media personnel warranted impartial scrutiny. The Supreme Court proposed the formation of a high-level committee to examine the allegations, frame uniform national guidelines for handling peaceful protests, and investigate reports that around 250 police personnel were attacked. It also directed states, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, to preserve CCTV footage and digital evidence without making it public.