The Delhi government has announced that no adverse legal action will be taken against individuals booked in connection with protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The protection, however, does not apply to persons with existing criminal backgrounds, as per an order from the Delhi Home Department that cites a Supreme Court directive.
The government is reviewing all arrests and expediting the release of detained protesters. Thirteen cases were registered concerning the protests, which erupted over allegations of a paper leak in the medical entrance exam. The decision follows reports of students facing harassment and threats of arrest.
The order, issued by the Home Department, directs Delhi Police to not pursue further legal proceedings against protest participants, except those with criminal antecedents. The government is also reviewing all arrests and working to release those still detained. The protests involved students and activists demanding a probe into the NEET-UG paper leak allegations. The decision comes after criticism of heavy-handed police action against peaceful demonstrators.