India, Aug. 3 -- The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that the Delhi government and other states can withdraw or close FIRs against students who participated in protests over the NEET paper leak, except those with criminal antecedents involving grave and heinous offences.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the term "criminal antecedents" would refer only to grave and heinous offences.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the Union government was committed to not pursuing FIRs against protesting students, except those with such criminal antecedents.

Mehta said FIRs against more than 2,700 people with records involving grave and heinous offences would not be withdrawn...