Government to Withdraw FIRs Against Student Protesters and Pay Compensation Following NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

The Union government has announced the withdrawal of all First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in July. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda stated that no stringent action would be taken against any of the participants.

This development follows the Supreme Court's decision to quash all FIRs registered against students who participated in CJP-led protests between July 20 and July 25 across the country. In response to the legal proceedings and government assurances, the outfit called off its planned September 5 march in the national capital.

According to sources, the government has also decided to disburse adequate compensation within 90 days to the next of kin of students who died by suicide following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

The protests initially commenced on June 20 at Jantar Mantar, centering around demands related to examination irregularities and the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Following allegations of a paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May exam on May 12, with a subsequent re-test conducted on June 21. The July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march toward Parliament resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Discussions between government representatives, including Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, and protesting student representatives on July 25 led to an agreement. During these talks, the government assured students that registered cases would be withdrawn and families of affected aspirants would receive honourable compensation. The agitation was called off following the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the acceptance of other demands.

With the Supreme Court quashing the FIRs, the Centre consulted BJP-ruled states, which have assured the withdrawal of all related FIRs within their jurisdictions. Welcoming the CJP's decision to call off the September 5 protest, Nadda reiterated that the welfare and progress of the country's youth remain an utmost priority for the government.

"Regulatory clarity and stability in education and administrative frameworks are essential for maintaining confidence among youth and the broader ecosystem. Resolution of student grievances and systematic policy execution help ensure stability in the operating environment for institutions and enterprises alike." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes