Kolkata, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday sought a report from the West Bengal government on the action taken over the alleged attack on journalists during a NEET-UG paper leak protest rally organised by student and youth wings of Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Kolkata on July 24.
A single-judge bench of Justice Kishna Rao directed the state government to submit the report within three weeks.
During the hearing, the court also sought the state government’s response on framing guidelines to prevent disorderly incidents during protests, meetings and processions.
The petition before the court was filed against the alleged assault on media personnel covering the protest rally. The petitioner clarified that there was no opposition to student movements on legitimate issues but sought measures to prevent unlawful activities during such demonstrations.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the state government to take necessary steps to ensure that incidents of violence or misconduct do not occur during protest marches and rallies. The plea also suggested that political parties or organisers responsible for such events should share accountability if any disruptive activities take place.
Following the preliminary hearing, Justice Rao asked the state government to submit its report within the stipulated period.
The Kolkata Police had earlier arrested 16 people allegedly involved in attacking police personnel and journalists during the July 24 rally. However, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Kolkata granted bail to all 16 accused on Tuesday after their lawyers cited a Supreme Court ruling concerning action against participants in movements.
The West Bengal government also issued a statement on Tuesday night clarifying that no coercive action, including arrests, would be taken against students who participated in the rally.
The government, however, stated that the protection would not apply to individuals with criminal antecedents, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
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