The Supreme Court clarifies that State governments can close or withdraw first information reports (FIRs) filed against students who participated in NEET paper leak protests, provided certain conditions are met. The court states that such withdrawals are permissible when the accused students do not have antecedents involving grave and heinous offences. It also indicates that its earlier July 28 order does not bar States—including Delhi—from taking action to close cases that fall within the eligibility criteria.
While the court permits withdrawal for eligible cases, it draws a clear boundary for serious allegations. Students accused of or linked to offences considered grave and heinous are not covered under the withdrawal mechanism. Across the reports, the Supreme Court’s position is that States retain discretion to withdraw or close FIRs in NEET protest matters, subject to the accused not having a history of serious criminal offences. The court’s clarification focuses on balancing the closure of proceedings for eligible cases against the continued handling of cases involving more serious wrongdoing.
