# Supreme Court Demands Categorized List of FIRs From Centre in NEET Protest Cases

> During a hearing on FIRs registered during protests against alleged paper leaks in NEET and other exams, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit a classified list of cases.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-08-18 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/neet-virodha-pradarshanon-ki-fir-para-supreme-court-sakhta-tushar-mehta-se-mangi-shrenibaddha-suchi-17880 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Supreme Court, NEET Exam, CJI Surya Kant, Tushar Mehta, Article 142, Paper Leak

Arguments escalated in the Supreme Court during a hearing concerning First Information Reports (FIRs) registered during demonstrations against alleged paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other competitive examinations. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the Central government, to submit a clear and categorized list of the cases involved. The court pointed out that passing any specific judicial order would remain purely theoretical without an organized breakdown of the pending FIRs.

## Apex Court Highlights Lack of Basic Groundwork
Addressing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta during the proceedings, CJI Surya Kant remarked that the government ought to have performed basic homework prior to the hearing. The bench noted that the administration should have conducted an internal exercise to pinpoint exactly which FIRs require continued prosecution and which ones can be disposed of accordingly. CJI Surya Kant emphasized that until the government submits a concrete list outlining cases selected for further legal action, the court lacks the practical foundation needed to pass appropriate orders.

## Solicitor General Explains Identification Challenges
In response to the bench's observations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta outlined the logistical and legal difficulties involved in screening the cases. He informed the court that a significant number of the FIRs lodged during the protests were registered against unknown persons. Consequently, relying solely on FIR numbers makes it challenging to distinguish genuine student demonstrators from non-student agitators who infiltrated the crowd to participate in grave criminal activities. The Solicitor General assured the court that he would closely examine the case files and compile a detailed list for submission.

## Potential Relief Under Article 142 and Boundary for Serious Offenses
Reflecting on previous indications, the Supreme Court revisited its perspective regarding innocent students swept up in law enforcement actions. The bench reiterated that cases involving strictly student protesters could potentially be quashed by invoking extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. However, the court firmly maintained that individuals facing charges for serious criminal offenses will not be placed on equal footing with students, ensuring that lawbreakers do not receive undue immunity under the guise of student agitation.

## What this means for you
- **For Students:** Peaceful student demonstrators facing protest-related FIRs may see their cases quashed if categorized separately by the government.
- **Legal Action:** Individuals accused of committing severe criminal offenses during the demonstrations will continue to face prosecution.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did the Supreme Court demand from the Solicitor General?
The Supreme Court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to provide a clear and categorized list of FIRs in which the government intends to pursue further action.

### 2. What were the remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during the hearing?
CJI Surya Kant noted that the government should have performed basic homework to identify relevant FIRs, as passing orders without a concrete list remains purely theoretical.

### 3. What challenge did Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlight regarding the FIRs?
The Solicitor General explained that many FIRs were filed against unknown individuals, making it difficult to separate peaceful protesters from those who engaged in serious criminal acts.

### 4. Which constitutional provision was referenced regarding relief for student protesters?
The court indicated that Article 142 of the Constitution could be invoked to quash FIRs involving solely student demonstrators.

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