Release minors, those without criminal past: SC's big order on student protesters

The Supreme Court ordered that no coercive action be taken in connection with any FIRs lodged against the students involved in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests in Jantar Mantar and other states.The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered states to release all students below the age of 18 and those without any criminal antecedents who were arrested or detained during the nationwide protests over exam paper leaks. In wide-ranging interim measures, the Supreme Court also ordered that no coercive action be taken in connection with any FIRs lodged against the students involved in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests in Delhi's Jantar Mantar and various other states.A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, however, made it clear that the protection would not extend to those with criminal background. The Supreme Court also hinted that it might order a probe by a high-powered committee into allegations of police excesses against protesting students. The probe will also look into allegations of attacks on police personnel as well.The top court also issued notices to the Centre and the governments of Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions alleging police brutality during the crackdown on protests across several states, including the incident on July 20, when students clashed with police during their march to Parliament. One of the petitions, filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, said a police officer in Bihar used an AK-47 during the agitation. "There has to be a completely independent probe. Whosoever committed excesses, took the law into their hands, should be taken to task. A probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed," the Chief Justice said."There has to be completely independent probe. Whosoever committed excesses, took law in their hands should be taken to task. Probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed," the Chief Justice said. - EndsPublished On: Jul 28, 2026 12:24 IST