Supreme Court Halts Coercive Action Against Student Protesters, Orders Immediate Release of Detained Minors
Public Lokpal
July 28, 2026
Supreme Court Halts Coercive Action Against Student Protesters, Orders Immediate Release of Detained Minors
In a major interim relief, the Supreme Court of India ordered the immediate release of all minors detained during recent nationwide student protests linked to the CJP-led demonstrations and NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
A Bench led by the Chief Justice stayed coercive police action against student protesters without criminal antecedents, observing a prima facie case of excessive police force. The Court directed state authorities to preserve all digital evidence, including CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings, and PCR logs, while strictly prohibiting the public dissemination of protesters' personal details.
Emphasizing the need for an impartial investigation, the apex court hinted at constituting a high-powered committee to probe both police excesses and violence against law enforcement. The protective order applies strictly to peaceful student demonstrators, excluding individuals with prior criminal records or identified anti-social elements. Responses have been sought from state governments.