The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday declined an urgent hearing regarding a plea against police action during student protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protests took place at Jantar Mantar, focusing on the controversial NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
This decision emerged during a session with a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, where the petitioner’s counsel urged for immediate judicial intervention. In response to the request, the Chief Justice remarked, ‘Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.’
The petitioners highlighted that the protests aimed to address significant public issues, including the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, concerns regarding examination conduct, and proposed reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In a moment of frustration, the Chief Justice dismissed the lawyer’s reference to purported videos depicting police action, stating, ‘We are not interested in videos; we don’t have time to watch.’ This dismissal reflected the court’s focus on prioritizing cases deemed urgent.
The Bench ultimately did not allow the urgent hearing request, maintaining its stance on the matter. This decision followed a recent ruling from the Delhi High Court which also denied an urgent hearing on the same issue.
The CJP-led protests intensified as demonstrators demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for reforms in the examination system. As protesters marched towards Parliament, clashes with police led to allegations of excessive force and numerous detentions.
Importantly, the Supreme Court’s comments were limited to the urgency of the hearing and did not evaluate the validity of the claims presented in the petition. Experts believe that the students’ protests underscore a larger call for accountability in governmental examination policies, as well as the need for a more transparent judicial process regarding police actions during dissent.
With ongoing demands for justice and reform in education, the situation remains dynamic, likely prompting further student activism and legal scrutiny.
