Students Demand NHRC Inquiry After Police Clampdown on NEET Protest

On the afternoon of 20 July 2026, a sizable crowd of aspiring medical students set up a camp outside Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Their grievance? A suspected leak of the NEET (National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test) question paper that could jeopardise the fairness of the upcoming exam.

The peaceful sit‑in, however, turned tense when Delhi police moved in. According to the protestors, officers used what they described as “excessive and disproportionate” force – batons, pepper‑spray and physical restraints. Several participants, particularly the female students, claimed they were mishandled by male constables, an allegation that has added a gender‑based dimension to the outrage.

Virender Vashisht, a practising advocate of the Supreme Court, took note of the incident. He drafted a formal complaint – sent via email to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – urging the body to launch a swift, independent probe under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Vashisht’s petition asks the NHRC’s Investigation Division to do more than a cursory review; he wants a visitation team on the ground, confidential statements from affected students, and a thorough audit of Delhi Police records, CCTV, body‑camera footage and medical reports.

The complainant cites Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, reminding the authorities that the right to peaceful assembly and personal liberty cannot be trampled upon. He also stresses that any wrongdoing by the police could amount to a violation of fundamental human‑rights guarantees.

While the NHRC has yet to comment publicly, the call for an inquiry has already sparked debate on social media and among civil‑society groups. Some legal experts argue that a transparent probe could restore trust, whereas others warn that “politicising” the protest might distract from the real issue – the alleged paper leak.

As of now, Delhi Police has not released an official statement on the use of force, nor have they confirmed whether any officers were disciplined. The students, meanwhile, remain resolute, insisting that their demands – a fair NEET and accountability for the police actions – be heard.