NEET Protests: SC Signals Possible SIT Investigation into Police Action

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) could be constituted to conduct an independent and comprehensive inquiry into allegations of police excesses during recent student protests over irregularities in examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that a fair and transparent investigation was necessary to examine all incidents of violence and alleged violations of established procedures during the protests. The court emphasized that anyone found violating the law, whether protesters or officials, must face appropriate action.

The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, questioned the need for an independent investigation while hearing a series of petitions alleging excessive use of force by police against students participating in demonstrations across the country.

“Whosoever committed excesses and took the law into their hands should be held accountable,” the Chief Justice observed during the hearing.

The court noted that an impartial probe would help establish the facts behind allegations of police misconduct and determine whether proper protocols were followed while handling student demonstrations. The judges stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but any violation of legal procedures must be dealt with according to law.

The Supreme Court also highlighted the need to investigate incidents involving injuries to around 250 police personnel during the demonstrations. The bench said the inquiry should determine whether such attacks were carried out by protesting students or by unidentified individuals who may have entered the gatherings with other intentions.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, told the court that genuine students were unlikely to engage in violence against police officials. He claimed that some outsiders and alleged offenders had joined the protests and were responsible for incidents of violence.

The hearing came a day after the apex court observed that public demonstrations cannot be used as a justification for excessive police action, including indiscriminate lathi charges. The court reiterated that citizens have the right to peaceful protest, which must be protected within the framework of the law.

The matter relates to demonstrations held against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including concerns surrounding the NEET paper leak. Protesters have been demanding accountability from authorities and calling for action over issues affecting medical entrance examination aspirants.

During a protest march in Delhi on July 20, clashes broke out between demonstrators and security personnel as protesters attempted to move towards Parliament. Police used crowd-control measures, including lathi charges and tear gas, to prevent the march from proceeding further.

The Supreme Court’s possible decision to establish an SIT is expected to determine the course of the investigation and bring clarity to allegations raised by both students and authorities. The proposed inquiry could examine the conduct of law enforcement agencies, the role of individuals involved in violence and whether established guidelines were followed during crowd management.

The court is continuing to hear arguments from all sides before passing further directions on the matter.