The Delhi Police has approached the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of 13 FIRs registered in connection with the July NEET-UG protests, saying it no longer wishes to pursue the cases against protesters. The application comes a day after the Supreme Court declined to issue an immediate order stopping the proposed September 5 protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi.

The Centre's application seeking relief for NEET protesters is also scheduled to come up before the Supreme Court on September 1. The development assumes significance as the CJP has announced another march, alleging that assurances given to protesters on withdrawal of cases have not been fully honoured.

13 FIRs Now Under Review

In its application, Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that it “no longer wishes to pursue” 13 FIRs registered in connection with the CJP-led protests between July 20 and 25. The cases relate to incidents during the student agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.

The police has asked the Supreme Court to exercise its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to bring the proceedings to an end.

The request follows the Centre's decision of July 25 to move away from prosecuting the broader group of protesters, subject to conditions concerning criminal antecedents.

Fresh Case Against History-Sheeters

While seeking closure of the 13 FIRs, Delhi Police has also sought permission to register a fresh FIR concerning 2,873 people with alleged serious criminal antecedents who were present at the protest site.

According to the police application, the proposed investigation would examine whether such individuals were involved in offences involving bodily harm or damage to property during the demonstrations.

The proposed action therefore separates protesters without criminal backgrounds from individuals whom police say may have separate criminal histories.

SC Declines March Ban

On August 31, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined to pass an immediate order stopping the CJP's proposed September 5 march.

The court said there were no compelling circumstances at that stage to presume that the demonstration would turn violent. It left immediate law-and-order arrangements to the authorities.

The bench also stressed that those organising or participating in the march, as well as the authorities, were expected to act peacefully and within the law.

September 5 March Planned

The CJP has announced a fresh protest march for September 5, with organisers saying it will raise issues related to the government's earlier assurances, including withdrawal of cases against student protesters.

According to reports, the proposed march is planned from India Gate towards the New Delhi Police Headquarters. The organisers have described it as peaceful and said families of students and people affected by the July protests would participate.

The proposed mobilisation has drawn attention because the BRICS Summit is scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13, only a week after the planned march.

Centre's Application Before SC

The Centre has separately approached the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of FIRs against people who participated in the NEET-UG paper-leak protests.

The Supreme Court is expected to consider the application on September 1. The Centre's move follows earlier court proceedings in which relief was extended to protesters without criminal antecedents.

The July protests had included clashes between demonstrators and security personnel, particularly during the July 20 march towards Parliament. Police used force, including lathis and tear gas, to disperse protesters attempting to move beyond the designated protest area.

Earlier Court Protection

The Supreme Court had previously directed authorities to avoid coercive action against certain student protesters without criminal backgrounds and ordered the release of detained minors who had no previous criminal antecedents.

The Delhi government had also earlier approved withdrawal of 13 FIRs connected with the NEET-UG protests, while making clear that the protection would not extend to people with criminal antecedents.

The latest Delhi Police application now places the matter directly before the Supreme Court for consideration under Article 142.

What Happens On September 1

The Supreme Court's hearing on September 1 will be important for determining the status of the 13 FIRs and the conditions, if any, attached to their closure.

The court will also have to consider the broader legal and administrative context surrounding the proposed September 5 march.

For now, the Supreme Court has not banned the march, while Delhi Police has moved to withdraw its pursuit of the 13 protest-related FIRs. The proposed fresh investigation involving people with alleged criminal antecedents remains a separate issue.