Protest over NEET paper leak: India SC orders release of detained minors without criminal records

Highlights: 

• States barred from coercive action against protesters
• Court seeks replies over police brutality allegations
• Independent probe into protest violence under consideration
• Bench cites injuries to students and police personnel

India's Supreme Court today (28 July) ordered the release of all detainees under the age of 18 held in connection with the recent student-led protests over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities, provided they have no criminal antecedents.

The apex court also restrained state authorities from taking any coercive action against protesters involved in the demonstrations.

The order came as a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard a series of petitions alleging police brutality during the nationwide protests.

The bench, also comprising Justices Joymala Bagchi and V Mohana, observed that the allegations warranted a fair and independent investigation.

"Whosoever committed excesses, took law into their hands should be taken to task," the bench said while taking note of allegations that security forces used pellet guns, nail-studded batons and electric batons, leaving several students and young women seriously injured.

The court also sought responses from the governments of Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh over the allegations raised in the petitions.

"The allegations prima facie warrant consideration of a fair and independent probe, which must also address the concerns of families of over 200 injured police personnel," the bench observed.

The court directed the concerned authorities to place their versions on record before it decides whether to constitute an independent committee or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fair, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the violence during the protests.