SC Clarifies States Can Drop FIRs Against Students

The Supreme Court of India has clarified that state governments have the authority to withdraw or close First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against student protesters. This clarification brings relief to student groups following confusion over previous legal proceedings.

Under an agreement reached on July 25, the government was not supposed to proceed with any FIRs against the youth, promising to withdraw them and provide a written guarantee that no future actions would be taken against peaceful protesters. However, several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in the Supreme Court created confusion, leading the government to suggest it might proceed with FIRs under certain circumstances.

In its latest clarification, the Supreme Court confirmed that states wishing to withdraw all FIRs against student protesters are fully permitted to do so.

The court also addressed protesters with criminal antecedents, specifying that future actions can only be pursued against individuals accused of heinous crimes, such as murder or rape, and only if they were actively involved in violence or created disruptions.