The Supreme Court of India on October 9, 2026, firmly refused to entertain a review petition seeking to recall its previous order which had quashed criminal FIRs registered against protestors involved in the NEET-UG agitation.

Protection of Student Careers and Future Prospects

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who appeared for the petitioner, clarifying that extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution were invoked solely out of concern for the future of young students.

Key Observations and Legal Principles

  • Invoking Article 142 for Complete Justice: The Court noted that quashing the FIRs was a conscious step taken to prevent young students from getting entangled in protracted criminal proceedings at the threshold of their careers.
  • Judicial Restraint against Substitute Litigation: The Bench cautioned petitioners against treating the Court as a platform to substitute the executive or legislative branch, observing that petitions challenging policy adjustments must allow authorities adequate breathing room.

The review plea was accordingly dismissed, reaffirming the protection granted to the protesting students.