Judicial Intervention in Student Protests: Balancing Article 142 and Public Order

In a significant judicial intervention, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the closure of all First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students who participated in nationwide protests between July 20 and 25, 2026, following the NEET paper leak controversy. By invoking its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court sought to provide a 'complete justice' mechanism, acknowledging the unique socio-political circumstances that led to the student unrest. This development highlights the delicate balance the judiciary must maintain between upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. While the Court emphasized that this order is specific to the 'peculiar facts' of the NEET crisis and should not be cited as a binding precedent for future agitations, it underscores the judiciary's role as a guardian of student interests in the face of systemic administrative failures. Furthermore, the Court’s directive to the Union government to formulate a comprehensive, pan-India policy for providing compensation to the families of students who died by suicide during this period marks a shift toward institutional accountability. This move addresses the broader issue of mental health and the immense pressure exerted on the youth by the competitive examination ecosystem in India.