The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a batch of pleas alleging excessive use of police force against students protesting over the issue of examination paper leaks tomorrow. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also agreed to take up a separate plea, filed by a few family members of those police personnel who were attacked during the protest, along with other listed petitions. Chief Justice Surya Kant today observed that the right to peaceful and lawful protest is constitutionally protected. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said he will assist the court.

Meanwhile, hearing another plea filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh following the cancellation of the NEET-UG held on May 3 over alleged paper leak and the announcement of re-NEET, the Court said it will see what the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force formed by the government suggests on the online conduct of the NEET examination. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said some out-of-the-box suggestions are needed especially when transition is made from the physical mode to the online conduct of the NEET examination.