India’s Supreme Court has dismissed criminal investigations against the majority of protesters involved in demonstrations triggered by a leaked medical exam paper, an incident that led to the resignation of the education minister. The court invoked its special constitutional authority to offer relief to most participants in the protests organized by the online group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in July.

The demonstrations escalated into violence on July 20, when tens of thousands of protesters in New Delhi attempted to march towards the parliament. Clashes subsequently erupted in other regions, including Bihar and West Bengal. Law enforcement agencies registered cases against hundreds of students, accusing them of involvement in rioting, vandalism, and damage to public property.

Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of cooperation from both the government and protesters, stating that “if both sides show good faith, then all issues can be resolved one by one.” In addition to dropping most criminal cases, the court ordered the government to provide financial compensation within three months to families of students reportedly driven to suicide following the exam paper leak.

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the CJP announced it would cancel a planned protest scheduled for Saturday in Delhi. Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson for the group, confirmed the withdrawal of the demonstration but noted that investigations would continue for 2,873 protesters who have existing criminal records.

The initial protests erupted amid public outrage over the exam paper leak but quickly expanded into a broader movement addressing concerns such as youth unemployment, limited opportunities, and criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance, which some view as increasingly authoritarian.