The Delhi government has directed that no adverse legal action be taken against students who participated in the NEET-UG protests in the national capital, initiating the process to withdraw 13 FIRs registered in connection with the demonstrations. The benefit, however, has been restricted to protesters with no criminal antecedents, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s recent directions.
The order, issued by the Home Department and signed by Principal Secretary (Home) Santosh D. Vaidya, states that as of July 29, 2026, 13 cases had been registered by the Delhi Police in connection with protests over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. It directs that no adverse legal action be taken against those who participated in the protests, while clarifying that the protection will not extend to persons with criminal antecedents.
With the issuance of the order, the Home Department has initiated the legal process for withdrawal of the FIRs. The Delhi Police will now have to move the jurisdictional courts seeking permission to withdraw the cases. The proceedings will stand closed only after the competent magistrates approve the withdrawal applications.
The decision follows the Supreme Court’s July 28 order in matters arising from the nationwide NEET-UG protests. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed that children below 18 years of age arrested or detained during the protests be released if they had no criminal antecedents. While permitting investigations in the FIRs to continue, the Court ordered that no coercive measures be taken against student protesters without criminal antecedents.
In compliance with the apex court’s directions, the Delhi government has also directed that the cases be treated as closed without further proceedings against eligible protesters. It has further ordered an expeditious review of arrests and detentions already made so that eligible persons may be released at the earliest.
According to reports, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the government respected the constitutional right to peaceful protest and had fulfilled its commitment to the students. At the same time, he maintained that action would continue against anti-social elements with criminal antecedents who allegedly exploited the protests to indulge in violence.
The 13 FIRs stem from the “Sansad Chalo” march held on July 20, during which clashes reportedly broke out between protesters and the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar. Police had resorted to baton charges and tear gas after the demonstrations turned violent.
The Delhi government’s move comes after similar decisions by the governments of Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal to withdraw or review cases arising out of the NEET-UG protests, while excluding persons with criminal antecedents from the benefit.
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