The Supreme Court of India has used Article 142 to cancel FIRs filed against people who took part in protests related to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak issue. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant passed the order. The Court said that the FIRs related to the specified protests would not be investigated further. They would be closed. The order will apply to the States and Union Territories where these protests took place.

Background of the Case

Protests were held across the country from 20 to 25 July 2026 after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. Many students and other people joined the protests. FIRs were filed against some protesters.

The FIRs included charges related to:

  • Rioting
  • Attempt to murder
  • Damage to public property

The Delhi Police had earlier started action in these cases. Later, it told the Supreme Court that it did not want to continue with the FIRs. The matter then came before the Supreme Court.

What Did the Supreme Court Order

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant invoked special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash and close these cases across all states and Union territories, ensuring they will not be investigated.

1. Existing FIRs Will Be Closed

The Supreme Court of India ordered that the FIRs related to the specified protests would not be investigated further. The cases will be closed. The order is not limited to Delhi. It also covers other States and Union Territories where the specified protests took place.

2. No New FIRs for These Protests

The Court also allowed the Centre to make sure that States and Union Territories do not file new FIRs for the protests held between 20 and 25 July 2026. This means that new cases cannot be started for the same protest incidents covered by the Court’s order.

3. Exception for 2,873 People

There is an exception for 2,873 people. Delhi Police identified these people using facial-recognition technology at the Jantar Mantar protest site. The Court allowed the police to register fresh and specific FIRs against them, if required under the law. However, these people must get a fair chance to defend themselves. Their legal rights must also be protected. An FIR does not mean that a person is guilty. Guilt has to be proved through the legal process.

4. Compensation for Families

The Court also asked the Centre to prepare a nationwide policy for compensation. The policy will cover the families of students who died by suicide after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The compensation is to be paid within three months after the policy is prepared.

CJP Withdraws September 5 (March)

After the Supreme Court order, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) decided to withdraw its proposed march planned for 5 September. The decision came after assurances from the government about the FIRs. The government, Delhi Police and representatives of the protesters had discussions on the issue.

What is Article 142?

Article 142 gives the Supreme Court a special power to ensure “complete justice”.

The Court can use this power when normal legal remedies may not be enough to give justice in a particular case. It gives the Supreme Court wide powers. But these powers are not unlimited. The Court cannot use Article 142 to go against the Constitution or ignore existing laws. The Court uses this power according to the facts of each case.

Article 19 and Right to Peaceful Protest

The Constitution gives citizens the right to express their views and hold peaceful protests. These rights are not absolute; under Article 19(2) through 19(6), the state can impose “reasonable restrictions” on these freedoms to protect.

Article 19(1)(a)

This Article gives citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression. It allows people to:

  • Express their views
  • Criticise government decisions
  • Raise their problems
  • Express disagreement

Article 19(1)(b)

This Article gives citizens the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. This right allows people to come together for peaceful meetings, demonstrations and protests.

Reasonable Restrictions

The right to speech and peaceful assembly is not unlimited. Under Article 19(2), reasonable restrictions can be placed on speech and expression for reasons such as public order, security of the State, and the sovereignty and integrity of India. Under Article 19(3), reasonable restrictions can also be placed on peaceful assembly for reasons such as public order and the sovereignty and integrity of India. People have the right to protest peacefully. However, this right does not include the right to use violence or damage public or private property.

Important Supreme Court Cases on Article 142

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court extraordinary power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing "complete justice" in any pending cause or matter.

Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India (1991)

This case was related to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The Supreme Court used Article 142 while dealing with the settlement in the case.m It showed that the Court can use Article 142 to provide complete justice.

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

In this case, the Supreme Court issued the Vishaka Guidelines on sexual harassment at the workplace. At that time, there was no specific law on workplace sexual harassment. The guidelines were followed until Parliament made a law on the issue.

Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India (1998)

This case explained the limits of Article 142. The Supreme Court made it clear that Article 142 cannot be used to override substantive law.

Conclusion

The NEET-UG protest case shows how the Supreme Court can use Article 142 in special situations. The Court closed the specified FIRs against the protesters. At the same time, it allowed action against certain people identified by Delhi Police. The case also highlights the importance of the right to peaceful protest under Article 19. Citizens can express their views and protest peacefully. But violence and damage to property are not protected by this right.