![\"Withdraw](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132843063,imgsize-1862008,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/cjp39s-jantar-mantar-protest.jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Paving the way for the dropping of cases against student protesters, Supreme Court on Monday permitted Delhi and state govts to withdraw or close FIRs lodged during NEET paper leak protests in different parts of India and said these youngsters must be allowed to pursue their studies without the fear of getting prosecuted.The bench clarified its July 28 order in which it had stayed coercive action against student protesters but permitted police to proceed with the investigations. This had created an apprehension in the minds of students about the future consequences of the cases remaining live.The go-ahead came after solicitor general Tushar Mehta told a bench of CJI Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that \u201cgovt is serious about honouring the commitment (given to CJP) on withdrawal of cases against student protesters. We are discussing the modalities of dropping cases\u201d.However, Mehta said that FIRs registered during student protests against 2,738 people who had criminal antecedents \u2013 having been accused of rape, murder and child sexual abuse under Pocso Act \u2014 and had infiltrated the protests to indulge in violence and vandalism will not be dropped. The bench said the rider would apply to those accused of heinous and grave offences and not petty offences or political cases.Want to lay down norms on use of graded force, says SC<\/span>Mehta said, \u201cThose who were leading the protests are again in touch with govt to work out the modalities for dropping cases against genuine student protesters as withdrawal of cases may not be possible under the law.\u201d The top court posted the matter for further hearing on Aug 18.CJI Kant was firm that student protesters must be freed from the fear of future prosecution. He said, \u201cParameters for students are altogether different. Their cases should be considered in a different manner so that they remain in the mainstream and their education is not disturbed.\u201cThe parents are spending their hard-earned money on their children\u2019s education. We must not keep aside the expectations of the parents of these youngsters. If the children are unnecessarily dragged into such (police and court) processes, it is not going to serve any purpose,\u201d the CJI said.The solicitor general agreed and said modalities for the withdrawal\/dropping of cases against student protesters will be worked out soon. He added, \u201cThere will be some people who would like to keep the pot boiling \u2014 we must be very careful even while taking legal steps.\u201dJustice Bagchi said that when the parties agree to it, the court can engender and enable the process so that the FIRs do not remain hanging over students\u2019 heads.Senior advocate Vrinda Grover said both CJP leaders and other students are in talks with the SG and govt to chart out an agreed modality for the dropping of cases. She cited a Patna FIR registered against 142 people and 5,000 unknown persons, and said this appeared to be \u2018catch all\u2019 tactics to pick up anyone randomly in the future. A comprehensive mechanism needs to be evolved, she said.Justice Bagchi said, \u201cThere are many options. The prosecution can file a closure report, the public prosecutor can advise withdrawal of cases or we can quash the FIRs.\u201dThe CJI-led bench said that while the violence and police excesses would be investigated by an SIT, \u201cwe want to lay down comprehensive guidelines for the future on use of graded force, whether it should include pellet guns or not, after getting recommendations from the high-powered committee we intend to constitute\u201d.<\/p>\n Share your thoughts in the comments<\/p>\n<\/div>\n