No Action Against NEET Protesters As Delhi Reviews Arrest Cases

The Delhi government has announced that it will not pursue any further legal action against individuals booked during protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The decision, approved by the Lieutenant Governor, marks a significant change in the administration's approach to the demonstrations and follows recent directions issued by the Supreme Court. However, the relief will not apply to individuals who have prior criminal antecedents.

In an official statement, the government said it "does not propose any further action" against eligible protesters and will treat the matter as closed. According to the administration, Delhi Police had registered 13 cases related to the NEET-UG protests as of 6 p.m. on July 29. Authorities have also been directed to review all arrests and detentions linked to the protests and ensure the release of eligible individuals as quickly as possible wherever applicable.

The decision follows the Supreme Court's order issued on July 28 regarding petitions alleging excessive use of force against students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other locations. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that no coercive action should be taken against peaceful protesters. The court also ordered the release of detainees who do not have any prior criminal record, prompting the Delhi government to align its response with the judicial directions.

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Before the government's announcement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had expressed concern that the continuation of existing FIRs could be used to target student protesters despite assurances given by the Centre. The organisation had warned that it could resume demonstrations, claiming the government's earlier commitment to withdraw cases had not been fully implemented. The group argued that allowing police investigations to continue could expose protesters to unnecessary legal harassment.

Following the latest decision, the Delhi government has indicated that no additional legal proceedings will be initiated against eligible participants in the protests, effectively bringing the matter to a close for most demonstrators. The review of pending arrests and detentions is expected to be carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions, while individuals with criminal records will continue to face legal proceedings under the existing law.

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