The Centre on Monday assured the Supreme Court that it remained committed to protecting students who participated in protests over alleged examination paper leaks from criminal prosecution, while maintaining that those involved in serious offences would not be extended the same relief.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that discussions had taken place with the petitioners and the government was working towards resolving the issue of FIRs registered against student protesters. "We have also spoken to the petitioners. We do not want action against the students. Necessary steps will be taken. However, the criminal elements who have infiltrated among the students cannot be given any relief," Mehta told the bench.
He further said the government remained committed to its earlier assurance that no legal action would be pursued against genuine student protesters. "There was some misapprehension or miscommunication about what to do with the FIRs against the protesters. I have instructions to say that the government is serious on that commitment to students," Mehta submitted.
The assurance comes weeks after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called off its protest over alleged paper leaks following the Centre's promise that no adverse action would be taken against the thousands of volunteers who had participated in demonstrations demanding accountability and examination reforms.
During the hearing, senior advocate Vrinda Grover sought clarity on whether the FIRs lodged against the protesters would be withdrawn or quashed. Stressing the broader objective of the protests, she said the focus was on reforming the education system rather than criminalising students. "These are young people who have their lives ahead of them. Even for quashing, we have FIRs in Bihar, Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. After this has been worked out with the states, we will come back to this court," she said.
Responding to the concern, Tushar Mehta reiterated that the Centre would honour its commitment and adopt whichever legal course was permissible to ensure that students were not subjected to criminal proceedings.
