The Supreme Court has declined to immediately hear the case concerning police action against protesters linked to the NEET exam paper leak controversy. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed reluctance to watch videos related to the protests, urging the lawyer not to waste the court’s time. Protesters have been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister, fairness in the NEET examination, and the abolition of the National Examination Agency. 6 Shrawan, Kathmandu.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to hear the case concerning police action against protesters affiliated with the Kakaroch Janata Party in Delhi. The protests were held demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following the paper leak incident. Chief Justice Surya Kant commented to a lawyer, “Let us not waste our time and yours.” According to Bar and Bench, the bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan was approached by the lawyer, who was asked to list the matter for hearing on the following day.
The lawyer stated, “There is strong video evidence of police brutality. Students are protesting at Jantar Mantar, and the police are being excessively harsh…” Chief Justice Surya Kant replied, “Please do not waste our time or yours. Your time is more valuable than ours.” The lawyer further added that they have requested the government to conduct the NEET exam fairly and to abolish the National Examination Agency due to recurring paper leaks.
On Tuesday, 20 July, police used batons during a student protest. The court invited the lawyer to show videos of police action when another matter is heard. Chief Justice Surya Kant responded, “We are not interested in that video, nor do we have time to watch it.” During Monday’s protest march, police baton-charged protesters and students and deployed tear gas shells, attracting criticism from politicians and members of the film industry. Human rights organization Amnesty International stated that peaceful voices of protest are being suppressed in India. Akshat Patel, Chairperson of Amnesty International India’s board, said, “Images and reports from the protests at Jantar Mantar demonstrate the suppression of peaceful dissent in India.”
