Overview
The Supreme Court on 27 July 2026 stressed that the constitutional right to peaceful protest (Article 19(1)(b)) must be protected. The bench, led by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, hinted at framing pan‑India guidelines to regulate police conduct during large‑scale demonstrations.
Key Developments
- Petitions were filed over police excesses during the 20 July Parliament march by the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
- Alleged aerial firing and use of pellet guns (Projectile‑Action Guns, PAG) in Bihar’s Siwan were highlighted.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026; Pralhad Joshi took charge the next day.
- The government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising jail terms for paper‑leak conspiracies to 5‑10 years and fines to ₹50 lakh.
- Retired IB Special Director Yashovardhan Azad and other victims petitioned to ban pellet guns and seek compensation.
Important Facts
• The bench comprised Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
• Petitions demanded an all‑India protocol to balance the right to protest with law‑and‑order imperatives.
• The NEET paper‑leak sparked nationwide student agitations, turning into a political crisis for the Modi government.
Exam Relevance
1. Judicial activism and constitutional law: The case illustrates how the judiciary interprets Article 19(1)(b) and can influence policy through guidelines.
2. Law‑enforcement accountability: Understanding the need for uniform SOPs for police during protests is vital for GS2 (Polity) and internal security topics.
3. Education governance: The amendment bill reflects the government's response to cheating scandals, linking to GS3 (Governance) and GS3 (Education) sections.
4. Public policy formulation: The interplay of petitions, legislative action, and executive decisions offers a case study for policy‑making processes.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court will hear all pending petitions together on 28 July 2026. Expected outcomes may include:
- Issuance of a directive for a pan‑India standard operating protocol governing police response to peaceful assemblies.
- Possible interim orders restricting the use of pellet guns until a detailed review is completed.
- Strengthened enforcement of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 to deter future leaks.
For aspirants, tracking the court’s final order will be essential to answer questions on protest rights, police reforms, and education policy in the upcoming UPSC exams.