The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday declined to urgently hear a plea concerning police action against student protesters during a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest took place at Jantar Mantar, with students rallying against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demanding reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
This crucial matter was brought before a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant. The petitioner’s counsel fervently requested an immediate hearing, asserting the significance of the students’ grievances.
In response, Chief Justice Kant firmly declined, stating, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.” His remarks underscored the Court’s current priorities.
The lawyer represented the students, emphasizing their protest focused on public concerns surrounding the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, perceived issues in exam conduct, and the necessity for reforms within the NTA.
When the counsel attempted to reference videos allegedly demonstrating police misconduct against the protesters, Chief Justice Kant remarked, “We are not interested in videos; we don’t have time to watch,” further dismissing the urgency of their appeal.
Essentially, the Bench did not engage with the request for expedited hearing. This development from the Supreme Court came just a day after the Delhi High Court similarly refused to entertain an urgent plea concerning the same police actions during the protests.
The CJP has actively spearheaded protests regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms within the examination system. Recently, protests escalated into a march towards Parliament, resulting in clashes between police and protesters. These confrontations led to significant allegations of excessive force employed by law enforcement and multiple detentions.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the plea highlights a critical stance on prioritization of urgent matters before the judiciary. Notably, the Court’s comments were limited to addressing the urgency of the request and did not delve into any substantive judgments concerning the allegations raised in the petition. This signifies an essential layer of procedural justice at play, ensuring that only immediate concerns receive the Court’s attention.
As activists continue to voice their dissent, the situation remains tense. Many students and supporters express their dissatisfaction with how the government has handled the NEET-UG examination process, which they claim undermines education quality and fairness.
Public outcry against the alleged paper leak feeds into broader discussions about educational reform in India, drawing attention to the challenges faced by students in the current academic landscape.
