The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, declined to urgently hear a plea requesting intervention regarding police action against student protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest focused on allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
The legal matter was presented to a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, where the petitioner’s counsel pressed for immediate consideration. The Chief Justice promptly declined the request, stating, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.”
The attorney argued that the student protests were significant public interest issues, addressing concerns such as the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, exam conduct, and necessary reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Referring to videos claiming to show police actions against protesters, the Chief Justice responded, “We are not interested in videos; we don’t have time to watch.”
The Supreme Court’s bench ultimately did not enter into discussions about the merits of the case, focusing solely on the urgency of the matter. This decision followed closely after the Delhi High Court similarly declined to grant an expedited hearing on related police action during the protests.
Protests led by the CJP have intensified in recent weeks, targeting the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Demonstrators demand overhaul of the examination system, amplified by a recent march towards the Parliament, which reportedly resulted in clashes with police. Allegations of excessive force used against students resurfaced during these confrontations, leading to numerous detentions.
Legal experts indicate that the Supreme Court’s recent remarks do not reflect a judgment on the allegations themselves, but rather a commentary on procedural priorities. The judicial system emphasizes the importance of adequate time and focus on more pressing cases.
This situation has thrown a spotlight on broader issues regarding student rights and police conduct in India. Many have expressed concerns over the treatment of protesters and the accountability of law enforcement during demonstrations tied to educational policy.
As tensions continue to simmer, observers urge government officials to engage with student representatives to facilitate dialogue, considering the ongoing unrest reflects significant discontent among the youth regarding academic policies in the country.
