The Supreme Court has directed states to release minors and students without criminal records who were detained during recent youth protests against alleged exam irregularities.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant is examining allegations of police excesses during the July 20 march to Parliament in Delhi, where security personnel used lathis, tear gas, and pellet guns, injuring demonstrators.

The court emphasized the need for a scientific, evidence-based inquiry into police actions and ordered the preservation of CCTV and drone footage from the protests.

Petitions filed after incidents in Bihar's Siwan district sought nationwide guidelines to regulate police use of force and prohibit plainclothes officers during protests.The court also reiterated that peaceful protest rights are constitutionally protected, condemning excessive force as unjustified.This directive highlights growing concerns over police brutality and the legal framework for handling protests in India.