NEET Paper Leak Protests: Supreme Court To Hear PILs On July 28; CJI Says 'There Should Be No Restrictions On Right To Agitate'

The Supreme Court today has said that it will hear all petitions concerning the police “excesses” at the NEET Protests on July 28, 2026. "These things need to be addressed and they require a lot of balancing..," CJI Surya Kant said today.

Notably, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, told the bench also comprising Justices Bagchi and Mohana, "I am here for the government..we can have all matters tomorrow.. We will assist your lordships dispassionately.."

Before the court, mentioning were made by various counsels. As one counsel told the bench, "Our writ has updated information along with the use of AK 47 in Siwan yesterday..", another counsel said, "Applications have also been filed by the students who have been beaten brutally.."

Senior Advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Vikas Singh also appeared before the bench, with Singh telling court, "Your lordships will have to pass an all India order because this is the problem of the entire country.."

A counsel also told court that he wished to represent the families of the policemen who have been beaten during the protests.

On this the CJI said, "Right to protest..peaceful protest is a absolutely guaranteed under our constitutional scheme..that cannot be denied..if there is a peaceful agitation..They have a right to agitate..there should not be impediment or restriction..but if somebody has done something.."

Justice Bagchi addressed the policement's concerns and said, "Injury to any individual each is of equal concern..we will call upon the state of explain why adequate safeguards to the police is not there..adequate number of helmets.."

The Supreme Court was earlier slated to hear today the PILs seeking a Judicial Commission/SIT led by a retired SC judge to probe the police “excesses” at the NEET Protests, and FIR against delinquent police personnel. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said yesterday, “every side will get justice”. Speaking at an interview at the International Conference commemorating 60th anniversary of UN Commission on international trade law, CJI Kant said, “Every side must and will get justice ..those who so deserve ..in accordance with law they should get the justice. It's not that someone has filed the petition therefore it will be one way of listening the matters. The courts always keep the aspect of viewpoint of every party, the aspect of the case and whatever the law requires and the constitutional principles require the court will accordingly act upon.”

A PIL has also been filed before the Supreme Court seeking the constitution of an independent Judicial Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to inquire into the alleged excessive and disproportionate use of force by law enforcement authorities against protesters during the NEET examination paper leak demonstrations in Delhi and connected incidents in Bihar.

The petition filed through AoR Abhigya Kushwah and drawn by Advocate Vishal Tiwari states that it concerns "issues of substantial constitutional and public importance concerning the right of citizens to peacefully express dissent, assemble without arms and seek accountability from the Government." It further submits: "The use of force against an assembly is required to satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality, and the conduct of particular individuals cannot automatically justify indiscriminate action against peaceful participants."

Another PIL before the Supreme Court seeks directions for a neutral, time-bound investigation into the alleged attacks on journalists covering the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

The petition contends that the case is not about choosing between the government and the protesters, but concerns the constitutional protection available to journalists performing their professional duties during public demonstrations.

Referring to incidents reported between July 18 and July 23, the petitioner alleges that several journalists covering the demonstrations were assaulted, intimidated or subjected to gendered abuse. Among the incidents cited are the alleged assault on Times Now reporter Dev Kotak, attacks on Shafali Nigam and her cameraperson, the alleged chasing of Jyoti Mishra, the reported targeting of ABP News reporter Varun Bhasin, and allegations of sexual abuse and rape and death threats directed at a woman television reporter.

On Friday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant had clarified that he did not refuse to hear a petition pertaining to police action on CJP protesters at Jantar Mantar. "Some fellow mentioned it. Media has falsely reported that I refused to list the matter. It was only a representation and people started recklessly reporting it. I checked with registry and not a paper has been filed..", CJI said in court.

Earlier, while refusing to take up the issue, CJI had said, "Don't waste our time". When the lawyer had pointed out that videos showing police excesses existed, the CJI said, "We are not interested in videos. We don't have time to watch videos." When the lawyer had stated that the students are raising important issues such as proper conduct of the NEET exam, and reforms in the National Testing Agency the CJI responded saying, "Thank you very much."

In a similar development, a letter petition has also been addressed to the Chief Justice of India seeking the Supreme Court's suo motu intervention into the alleged police action against CJP protesters during demonstrations held in the national capital on July 20. The representation seeks an independent judicial inquiry, immediate preservation of evidence, medical protection for the injured, and accountability for officials allegedly responsible for the use of excessive force. Also Read - Register

Filed by Advocate Hitendra D. Gandhi, the representation alleges that protesters suffered serious head, facial and bodily injuries during the police action. It further claims that women and girls were assaulted and manhandled, including by male police personnel, and alleges violations of the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal governing arrests and detentions.

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Mentioning Date: July 27, 2026