⁠Delhi Govt Drops Legal Action Against NEET-UG Protesters Without Criminal Records

The decision comes days after the Supreme Court directed States not to take coercive action against student protesters lacking criminal antecedents while permitting investigations in the registered FIRs to continue.

In an order issued by the Home Department and signed by Principal Secretary (Home) Santosh D. Vaidya, the Delhi Government stated: "As of 6 pm on 29.07.2026, a total of 13 cases were registered by Delhi Police in connection with the protests relating to the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination… No adverse legal action will be taken by… police authorities within the national capital against those persons who have been involved in these protests."

The order further clarified that the protection would not extend to persons having criminal antecedents, as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The order means the Home Department has initiated the legal process to withdraw the cases. The Delhi Police must now formally approach the relevant local courts to submit withdrawal applications. Once the magistrate approves these applications, the cases are legally disposed of

Supreme Court's Order

On July 28, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, while hearing matters arising out of the nationwide NEET-UG protests, directed the release of children below 18 years of age who had been arrested or detained in connection with the demonstrations, provided they had no criminal antecedents.

The Bench further ordered: "The NCT of Delhi and other States may proceed with the investigation of the FIRs registered; however, no coercive measures shall be taken against the protesting students. Such protection, nonetheless, shall not be extended to the persons with criminal antecedents."

The Delhi Government's latest order has been issued in compliance with the above directions.

FIRs to be closed; Arrests to be Reviewed

The Home Department further directed that the matter "shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account."

It also stated that arrests or detentions already made in these cases would be reviewed expeditiously and the process for releasing eligible persons would be undertaken at the earliest.

Home Minister's Statement

As per reports, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the government respected the constitutional right to peaceful protest while drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and those allegedly involved in unlawful activities.

"We stand with the students, and it is in that spirit that we issued this order. Our government has honoured its commitment to them. However, if any anti-social elements with criminal antecedents used the student protest as an opportunity to spread violence, action will be taken against them," he said.

Background

The 13 FIRs were registered following the 'Sansad Chalo' march held on July 20, during which clashes reportedly broke out between protesters and the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar. The police had resorted to force, including baton charges and tear gas, after the demonstrations turned violent.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, had earlier expressed concern over the continuation of the FIRs despite assurances from the government and warned that it would resume its agitation if the cases were not withdrawn.

The Delhi Government's order follows similar decisions taken by Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, where the respective governments have announced withdrawal or review of protest-related cases while excluding persons with criminal antecedents from the benefit.