The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday declined to urgently hear a plea challenging the police action against student protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar, related to the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The plea, presented before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, called for immediate judicial intervention.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel urged for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the broader public importance of the students’ protests. However, Chief Justice Kant rejected the request, quipping, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.” His clear stance indicated that the court would prioritize other matters.
The lawyer highlighted key issues disrupting the students, including the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the examination protocol, and the urgent need for reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Demonstrations intensified following the revelation of irregularities in past examinations.
When the counsel attempted to introduce video evidence purportedly depicting police violence against protesters, Chief Justice Kant expressed indifference. “We are not interested in videos; we don’t have time to watch,” he stated, further reinforcing the court’s position on immediate hearings.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court also declined to accelerate its review of a related plea addressing police action during the protests. The series of judicial refusals has drawn considerable attention from the student community and advocates for educational reform.
The protests, spearheaded by the CJP, reflect escalating unrest among students who demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms in the examination process. Protests peaked with a march towards Parliament, resulting in confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, which led to allegations of excessive use of force and numerous detentions.
Notably, the Supreme Court’s decision focuses exclusively on the request for an urgent hearing. The court has not passed any judgment on the merits of the allegations presented in the petition. The reluctance expressed by the Chief Justice suggests a current judicial preference for addressing pressing constitutional matters.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the education sector and the urgent calls for accountability and reform. As the debate around the NEET-UG examination and police conduct unfolds, stakeholders await further judicial insights into student rights and governmental obligations.
With the current judicial trajectory, it remains to be seen how the courts will navigate subsequent appeals concerning police action and the integrity of educational assessments.
