Supreme Court to Form High-Powered Committee to Probe Police Actions During NEET Protest

The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will constitute a high-powered committee to examine allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana stated that the panel will include retired judges, a former Director General of Police (DGP), and an ex-CBI director, among others. The formal order detailing the committee's composition is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, following the receipt of suggestions from various parties regarding additional members.

The proceedings stem from clashes during the July 20 Parliament march led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstration resulted in confrontations with security personnel, who deployed lathis and teargas shells to disperse crowds attempting to move toward Parliament. The upcoming panel will examine complaints and allegations made by female protesters who were reportedly targeted during the demonstration in Delhi and surrounding areas.

Additionally, the Supreme Court directed that video footage and CCTV recordings of the violence from the July 20 protest be handed over to the high-powered committee for detailed examination. During the hearing, the bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to furnish details of FIRs implicating student protesters that are slated to be quashed, signaling that the court may exercise its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.

Addressing the legal standing of the protesters, the bench noted that students have a future ahead and possess the right to protest under Article 19 of the Constitution. The court had previously observed that police excesses or lathi charges cannot be justified merely because an agitation is taking place, emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed.

Earlier, the Centre submitted that it was serious about not pursuing FIRs against students who participated in the NEET examination paper leak protests, provided they did not have criminal antecedents. Solicitor General Mehta stated that police had identified more than 2,800 anti-social elements involved in heinous offences in the past as responsible for the violence during the July 20 protest.

On August 3, the apex court clarified that the term criminal antecedents in its order on releasing student protesters referred strictly to those involved in grave and heinous offences. The court stated that states could accordingly close or withdraw FIRs against the remaining students in accordance with the law.

"This judicial intervention highlights the critical importance of balancing public order with the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, particularly when student welfare and futures are involved. For businesses and educational ecosystems alike, legal certainty and the protection of fundamental rights remain foundational to maintaining stability. When regulatory frameworks and judicial oversight intersect with public demonstrations, clear accountability mechanisms help build long-term institutional trust." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes