Gujarat government withdraws cases against NEET protestors after Supreme Court ruling

Gujarat Govt Orders Case Withdrawals for NEET Protesters

The Gujarat government has directed the withdrawal of all criminal cases filed against individuals involved in protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. In a July 31 communication, the State Home Department instructed Director General of Police G.S. Malik to ensure no legal or penal action is pursued against the protesters.

Move Follows Supreme Court Intervention

The decision comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment on July 28, which barred police from taking coercive action against minor student protesters. The apex court further clarified on August 3 that its earlier order only applied to individuals involved in serious crimes, leaving States free to drop cases against other protesters. The Gujarat government’s directive aligns with this ruling, emphasizing that no punitive measures should be taken against those who participated in the demonstrations.

Protests Over NEET Leak Sparked Nationwide Outrage

The protests, led by students and youth, erupted in Ahmedabad and other cities across Gujarat, echoing similar demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Participants demanded accountability for the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The agitation concluded on July 25 after Pradhan stepped down and the Union government met the remaining demands of the Campaign for Justice in Public (CJP).

Scope of Case Withdrawals Unclear

While the Gujarat Home Department has ordered the withdrawal of FIRs and criminal cases, it has not disclosed the exact number of cases affected by this decision. The move is expected to bring relief to students and youth who were concerned about facing legal repercussions for their participation in the protests.

This development underscores the growing scrutiny over the integrity of national-level examinations and the increasing willingness of authorities to address public grievances in the wake of judicial intervention.

Source: The Hindu