The Kakroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced that it is cancelling the protest march scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 5. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the decision was taken after the Centre assured the Supreme Court that the FIRs registered against NEET protesters in Delhi and four BJP-ruled states would not be pursued and that no fresh cases would be registered against them.
The assurance was given in the Supreme Court by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the police authorities of Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam.
Centre Assures Supreme Court of No Fresh FIRs
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that no coercive action would be taken in the cases that had already been registered against the protesters. He also made it clear that no new FIRs would be registered in connection with the protests.
The Centre informed the court that it had held discussions with the protesters and that an understanding had been reached on several issues.
Supreme Court Quashes FIRs Under Article 142
Against this backdrop, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took a significant decision. The bench said that it was invoking Article 142 of the Constitution to quash the FIRs registered against the protesters.
However, the Supreme Court clarified that cases against individuals with a criminal history would continue and would not be covered by the order.
The CJP had called for a nationwide protest on September 5, alleging that the assurances given by the Centre on July 25 had not been implemented. Following the fresh assurances made by the Centre before the Supreme Court, the party decided to withdraw the planned protest.
Compensation for Families of Students Who Died
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also informed the Supreme Court that the government was committed to providing compensation to the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET question paper leak controversy.
He said that the government would discuss the compensation framework with state governments and other stakeholders and finalise the modalities within three months.
Chief Justice Surya Kant directed that the process of providing compensation should begin as soon as the modalities are finalised.
