The Supreme Court agreed to use Article 142 to quash FIRs
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Judiciary & landmark judgments· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash FIRs against students protesting NEET-UG, highlighting the judiciary's power to ensure justice in exceptional cases.
Background
On August 18, 2026, the Supreme Court ordered a committee to examine FIRs related to NEET-UG protests. The court distinguished between peaceful student protesters and individuals with criminal records, with the Solicitor General identifying 2,873 individuals with prior criminal records among the protesters.
Facts for Prelims
- ConstitutionArticle 142: Grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice.
- BodySupreme Court of India: The highest judicial body in the country, exercising original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
- Fact2,873 individuals with criminal records were identified among the protesters by the Solicitor General.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the scope and limitations of the Supreme Court's extraordinary powers under Article 142 in balancing the right to protest with the maintenance of public order.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Judicial activism vs. judicial restraint
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Rule of law and criminal procedure
- Balancing public order and democratic dissent
Keywords: Complete justice · Judicial review · Extraordinary jurisdiction · Right to protest · Public order
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