SC invokes special powers to cancel FIRs against protesters, CJP praises historic move

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to cancel FIRs against paper leak protesters over incidents between July 20 and 25, barring states and UTs from registering fresh cases. It allowed the Centre and Delhi Police to proceed against 2,873 persons. The court also ordered a compensation framework, while CJP praised the move as "historic."SC invokes Article 142, quashes FIRs against anti-NEET protestersThe Supreme Court on Tuesday invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to cancel all FIRs listed before it against youth protesters over incidents between July 20 and 25 during the Cockroach Janta Party-led paper leak protests across the country, which demanded then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The court said any other FIRs related to the same incidents in any state or Union Territory should not be pursued or investigated and would be treated as closed for all purposes.Allowing applications filed by five states seeking the cancelling of the FIRs, the Supreme Court said no state or Union Territory should register any fresh FIR for incidents between July 20 and 26.The court, however, said the Centre and Delhi Police would remain at liberty to register fresh FIRs against 2,873 persons, as described in their application, without prejudice to the affected parties' right to seek legal remedy.The Supreme Court said its decision to invoke Article 142 was based on commitments made before it by the Centre and some states, along with a statement read by the CJP co-convenor. It also took into account the future prospects of young protesters who had "bona fide" come to participate in peaceful protests.On compensation, the court directed that modalities for a pan-India mechanism be worked out in consultation with states and Union Territories, with the framework adopted as a regular mechanism for compensatory measures. The Centre was also directed to provide compensation within three months in cases of suicides due to NEET 2026. Reacting to the order, a CJP spokesperson thanked the Supreme Court and described the decision as "historic."- EndsPublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 15:30 IST