New Delhi, July 30, 2026: The Delhi government has said that no adverse legal action will be taken against individuals involved in the recent NEET (UG) protests, according to an order issued by the Home Department on Thursday.
The order provides relief to people involved in the protests, while making it clear that the protection will not apply to individuals with criminal antecedents, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions referred to in the order.
Delhi Government Issues Order on NEET Protesters
The Delhi government’s Home Department issued the order on Thursday, July 30, stating that no further adverse action would be taken against individuals involved in the NEET (UG) protests.
The order also stated that the matter would be treated as closed without any future proceedings, subject to the exception concerning people having criminal antecedents.
The government said the protection provided under the order would not extend to such individuals, citing the relevant Supreme Court order.
Review of Arrests and Detentions
The Delhi government has also assured that the process of reviewing arrests and detentions would be undertaken expeditiously.
In cases where protesters have already been arrested, the authorities will review the matter and take steps concerning their release in accordance with the order.
The government’s decision comes amid legal proceedings concerning allegations of police excesses during recent student protests in Delhi and several other States.
What the Supreme Court Said on July 28
Earlier, on July 28, the Supreme Court indicated that it would consider setting up a high-powered investigation team to conduct a “thorough, fair and independent” inquiry into allegations of police excesses during the recent student protests.
The court permitted State authorities to continue investigating the FIRs registered in connection with the protests. At the same time, it ordered the immediate release of all minors who had been arrested in connection with the demonstrations.
The Supreme Court also restrained the police from taking coercive action against protesting students unless they had criminal antecedents.
Supreme Court Seeks Responses From Governments
The Bench, which also comprised Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued notices to the Union government and the Delhi government, as well as the Chief Secretaries of Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala.
The authorities were directed to place their responses on record.
The Supreme Court indicated that it would decide whether an independent probe should be ordered after considering the responses filed by the concerned authorities.
Minors Arrested During Protests to Be Released
The Supreme Court’s directions came while hearing petitions alleging that student protesters had been illegally arrested and detained by the police.
Taking note of those allegations, the court directed the authorities to forthwith release all minors detained in connection with the demonstrations.
At the same time, the court allowed the police to continue investigating FIRs registered in relation to the protests. However, it restrained authorities from taking coercive action against students unless they had criminal antecedents.
Delhi Government’s Latest Position
The Delhi government’s July 30 order follows the Supreme Court’s directions and sets out the State government’s position regarding further legal action against people involved in the NEET (UG) protests.
According to the order, no further adverse action will be taken against the individuals covered by it. The government has also said that the matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings, subject to the stated exception for people with criminal antecedents.
For protesters who have already been arrested or detained, the Delhi government has assured that the review and release process will be carried out expeditiously.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court is yet to decide whether an independent investigation into the allegations of police excesses will be ordered. The court is expected to consider the responses submitted by the Union government, Delhi government and the other State authorities before taking a decision on the proposed high-powered investigation team.
For now, the Delhi government’s latest order provides that no adverse legal action will be taken against individuals involved in the NEET (UG) protests, while retaining the exception for those with criminal antecedents.
