South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, is deeply concerned by the Government of India’s failure to respond promptly and transparently to the NEET examination crisis. The lack of accountability has undermined public confidence and raised serious concerns about respect for democratic principles, including the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and dissent.
The ongoing student protests were triggered by the Government’s failure to accept responsibility for the question paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), taken by more than 2.7 million candidates on 3 May 2026. Although the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the examination after confirming the leak and ten individuals have reportedly been arrested, neither the NTA nor the Ministry of Education has accepted responsibility for the administrative failures that led to the breach. The subsequent re-examination has also been marred by allegations of irregularities in the evaluation process, further eroding public trust. Reports linking the crisis to 21 student suicides underscore its devastating human impact.
Peaceful student demonstrations, supported by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have rapidly grown across the country since 6 June 2026, calling for accountability and the resignation of the Minister of Education. CJP is a youth led political movement founded on 16 May 2026 based on an online mock platform, which coincided with the anger and frustration across the country prompted by the cancelled NEET examination.
SAHR is deeply concerned by reports of excessive force used by the New Delhi Police against peaceful protesters during demonstrations on 20 July and reiterates that the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and dissent must be respected and protected.
When students peacefully protested on 6 June to voice their demands, the Government had a clear opportunity to engage with, listen to their concerns, and address their legitimate grievances, but instead the Government responded with coercive measures, escalating tensions rather than seeking a constructive resolution.
SAHR views these demonstrations as a legitimate expression of democratic participation and an important demand for transparency and accountability in the education system. Attempts to suppress peaceful dissent through law enforcement measures risk undermining democratic governance and public trust.
SAHR stands in solidarity with the student protesters and urges the Government of India to ensure a transparent and independent investigation into the NEET crisis, hold those responsible accountable, address concerns regarding the re-examination, provide appropriate support to the families of students who reportedly died by suicide, and respect the rights of all citizens to peaceful protest and free expression. It is essential to respect the genuine demands made by the student protestors as well. As a State Party to the core international human rights treaties and the world’s largest democracy, India must uphold its constitutional and international human rights obligations by responding to these concerns with transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
On behalf of the members of the South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. P Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member
Sushil Pyakurel
Bureau Member