Salman Khan Backs Student Protests Against Exam Paper Leaks

MUMBAI / NEW DELHI — Senior Bollywood actor Salman Khan publicly voiced support on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for students protesting against examination paper leaks across India. In a detailed statement published on his official social media channels, Khan described paper leaks as a "very serious issue" and praised young citizens for uniting peacefully to demand accountability and structural reforms within the country's educational system.

The actor’s intervention comes in the wake of escalating demonstrations in the national capital and several states following allegations surrounding competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG testing process. Addressing the recent clashes during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) near Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Khan expressed sadness over reports of injuries to students and officers, reiterating that the credit for driving systemic change belongs solely to the country's youth.

Calls for Keeping Education Reforms Above Politics

In his statement, Khan emphasized that the ongoing agitation should remain strictly centered on the welfare of students and the integrity of academic institutions. He cautioned against political parties attempting to capitalize on the movement for electoral or partisan gains.

"This issue is between the students and the educational system; it should not be hijacked politically. The credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure the government will also give them all the support and make it a stronger educational system," Khan stated in his social media address.

The actor noted that the passion shown by the younger generation reflects a strong commitment to learning and progress. He expressed optimism that constructively resolving the paper leak issue would establish India as a premier destination for global education.

Film Industry Support and Judicial Oversight

Khan joins a growing list of film industry personalities and public figures—including Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Rajkummar Rao, and Sonakshi Sinha—who have expressed solidarity with candidates demanding fair competitive examinations.

Concurrently, legal developments regarding the July 20 protest clashes advanced in the judiciary. The Delhi High Court, comprising a Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, issued notices to the Union Government and the Delhi Police in response to three Public Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging the use of excessive force during the student march. The bench directed authorities to preserve all electronic evidence and CCTV footage from the incident, setting the next hearing date for September 11, 2026.

Official Statements Section

According to official court filings and statements published on social media handles:

• Salman Khan Statement: "It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know and see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them."

• Judicial Directives: The Delhi High Court granted four weeks to respondents to file official replies on petitions alleging excessive police action during the student demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Quote Section

According to official posts made by the actor on social media:

"This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go about it, and the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud."

Why It Matters

The involvement of prominent cultural figures highlights the broad public resonance of examination security and testing integrity in India. For millions of students and families, transparent testing systems directly impact career opportunities, higher education access, and public institutional trust. Maintaining peaceful dialogue between student representatives, testing agencies, and government ministries remains essential to reaching policy resolutions that protect meritocracy without disrupting academic schedules.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Salman Khan's Stand: Called exam paper leaks a serious issue and praised students for demanding systemic educational improvements.

• Focus on Students: Urged that the movement remain non-political, stating full credit belongs to the youth.

• Judicial Action: Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police over alleged excessive force during the July 20 march.

• Core Demands: Protesting groups continue to seek stricter safeguards against exam leaks, institutional accountability, and examination reforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What did Salman Khan say about the student protests?

Salman Khan described examination paper leaks as a very serious issue, praised students for courageously advocating for better educational standards, and urged political parties not to hijack the cause.

Why are students protesting across the country?

Students are protesting over alleged paper leaks and procedural irregularities in major competitive examinations, such as NEET-UG, demanding greater testing security, administrative accountability, and legislative safeguards.

What step has the Delhi High Court taken regarding the protests?

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Union Government and Delhi Police regarding petitions alleging excessive force during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march, ordering the preservation of CCTV footage and electronic evidence.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI), Delhi High Court, Ministry of Education