Human Rights Body Criticises Government's Handling of NEET Paper Leak Protests

Colombo-based human rights network South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) has expressed deep concern over the Indian government's response to the NEET examination crisis, stating that the failure to accept responsibility for the question paper leak triggered ongoing student protests.

In a statement released on July 24, 2026, SAHR said it was 'deeply concerned' by reports of excessive force used by Delhi Police against peaceful protesters during demonstrations on July 20, 2026. The network reiterated that the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and dissent must be respected and protected under international human rights law and the Indian Constitution.

SAHR described the protests as 'a legitimate expression of democratic participation and an important demand for transparency and accountability in the education system.' It warned that attempts to suppress peaceful dissent through law enforcement measures risked undermining democratic governance and public trust.

Earlier, Amnesty International India's Chair of Board, Aakar Patel, also criticised the police crackdown, stating that images and reports from the protest at Jantar Mantar showed how peaceful dissent was being suppressed. He noted that police reportedly used unnecessary and excessive force against peaceful protesters and installed barricades to prevent them from reaching Parliament.

Patel pointed to the suspension of metro rail services and mobile internet as further measures hindering protest. 'The role of the authorities is to protect and facilitate peaceful protests, not to suppress them,' he said.

The NEET crisis stems from allegations of a question paper leak, which sparked nationwide student protests demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The government has denied systemic failure but has ordered an inquiry.