Kolkata, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The West Bengal government on Tuesday clarified that no coercive action, including arrests, will be taken against students who participated in the July 24 protest rally over the NEET-UG issue, citing the Supreme Court’s directions on handling cases linked to the nationwide examination-related agitation.
In a statement issued by the State Home and Hill Affairs Department, the government said the decision was taken after considering all aspects of the case registered in connection with alleged attacks on police personnel and media representatives during the rally organised by the students’ and youth wings of various Left parties in Kolkata.
The government also referred to the Supreme Court’s order in the Shailendra Mani Tripathi vs Union of India & Others matter concerning protests over the NEET examination paper leak. However, it clarified that the relief would not apply to individuals with criminal antecedents, in accordance with the apex court’s directions.
The clarification came hours after the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Kolkata granted bail to 16 persons arrested in connection with the unrest during the protest.
During the hearing, defence counsel relied on the Supreme Court’s observations against taking stringent action against participants in the movement. Although the prosecution initially sought judicial custody, the court granted bail to all 16 accused.
Defence lawyers also informed the court that the Union Home Ministry had conveyed before the Supreme Court that cases related to the NEET protest movement would be withdrawn across the country, including in Delhi. They also referred to developments in Bihar and Assam. The magistrate allowed the matter to be mentioned again on Wednesday for further clarification.
The court sought details on whether any of the accused had prior criminal records, noting the Supreme Court’s observations regarding habitual offenders. The investigating officer informed the court that five of the 16 accused had previous cases against them. Defence counsel questioned whether any of those cases had resulted in convictions. In the absence of a clear response, the magistrate granted bail to all 16 individuals.
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