The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the release of student protesters who are below 18 years of age and have no criminal record, while restraining authorities from taking coercive action against eligible protesters in connection with the recent nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued a series of interim directions while hearing petitions alleging police excesses during the demonstrations.