Supreme Court declines plea to raise Delhi NEET protest issue during hearing, CJI asks lawyer not to waste court’s time

Yugcharan News / 22 July 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to entertain an oral request made by a lawyer seeking to raise issues connected to the ongoing protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heading a three-judge bench, asked the counsel not to waste the court’s time and indicated that the bench was not inclined to hear submissions related to the demonstrations during the proceedings.

The remarks came against the backdrop of escalating protests at Jantar Mantar, where students, youth groups and supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have been agitating over alleged NEET paper leaks and broader concerns regarding the integrity of competitive examinations. The protests have intensified over the past few days, drawing political attention and leading to clashes between demonstrators and Delhi Police during attempts to march towards Parliament.

During the hearing, the lawyer informed the bench that protests were continuing at Jantar Mantar and alleged that police were taking harsh action against demonstrators. The counsel also referred to the use of tear gas during the police response.

“Don’t waste our time and your time. Your time is more valuable than ours,” Chief Justice Surya Kant told the lawyer, according to reports from the courtroom.

The bench was also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.

Lawyer refers to students’ demands

The lawyer continued his submissions and stated that students were seeking important reliefs connected to the conduct of NEET examinations. He argued that the examination process should be free and fair and further submitted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) should be dissolved.

As the bench indicated that it was not inclined to hear the matter further, the lawyer said that he had a collection of videos related to the protests and police action, which he wished to show to the court.

The Chief Justice declined the request and remarked that the bench was not interested in viewing the videos.

“We are not interested in videos. We don’t have time to watch,” the CJI said.

The court did not pass any order on the lawyer’s oral submissions, and the attempt to raise the protest issue during the hearing was effectively declined.

Background of the protests

The developments in the Supreme Court came amid continuing protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and related concerns regarding competitive exams. The agitation has been led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth-led protest movement that has drawn support from students, activists and several opposition leaders.

The protests gained momentum after demonstrators attempted a march towards Parliament earlier this week. Delhi Police stopped the march, and clashes were reported between protesters and security personnel. Protesters and opposition leaders alleged that excessive force was used, while police maintained that action was taken to control the situation and maintain law and order.

Reports from the protest site indicated that tear gas and batons were used during the police response. Several protesters were detained, and Delhi Police later registered multiple FIRs in connection with the violence and related incidents.

The CJP-led agitation has continued at Jantar Mantar, with protesters demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and seeking action against those responsible. The movement has also attracted political attention, with opposition parties raising the issue inside and outside Parliament.

Growing political attention

The NEET protest issue has become a subject of debate during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Opposition parties have sought discussions on alleged examination irregularities and the handling of student protests.

Several opposition leaders have expressed support for the protesters and criticised the police response during the attempted march towards Parliament. The protests have also sparked wider discussions about the conduct of competitive examinations, student anxiety and the need for greater transparency in recruitment and admission processes.

The CJP movement, which has emerged as a prominent voice in the agitation, has positioned itself around issues affecting students and young aspirants. Protesters have continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, stating that their demands regarding examination reforms and accountability remain unresolved.

Court maintains limited scope of hearing

The Supreme Court’s response on Tuesday indicated that the bench was not willing to convert the ongoing proceedings into a hearing on the Delhi protests based on oral submissions. The Chief Justice’s remarks suggested that the court did not consider it appropriate to examine protest-related allegations or video material during the course of that hearing.

The court’s refusal to entertain the oral plea does not amount to a ruling on the merits of the allegations raised regarding the protests, police action or examination irregularities. It only reflects the bench’s decision not to take up the issue in that particular proceeding.

Legal observers noted that matters concerning public protests, police action or examination-related grievances would ordinarily require appropriate pleadings and procedural compliance before being considered by the court.

Situation at Jantar Mantar

Meanwhile, the protest at Jantar Mantar continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators remaining at the site and reiterating their demands. Protest organisers have maintained that they will continue the agitation until their concerns are addressed.

Delhi Police have increased security arrangements in parts of central Delhi following the clashes near Parliament. Authorities have also monitored gatherings and movement around sensitive locations during the ongoing protests.

The situation remains politically sensitive as Parliament continues its Monsoon Session and opposition parties keep raising the issue of examination irregularities and student protests.

For now, the Supreme Court has declined to entertain the lawyer’s oral request, while the protests at Jantar Mantar continue to draw attention from students, political parties and the public.