State Governments Announce Withdrawal of FIRs and Release of Detained Protesters Following Talks With CJP
The governments of Assam and Bihar have announced that they will withdraw criminal cases registered against individuals who participated in the NEET protest movement, following a warning from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that it would restart its agitation if legal action against protesters continued.
The decision comes after discussions between CJP leaders and the government over the demands raised during the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET (UG) examination paper leak.
Assam Government to Withdraw All Protest-Related Cases
On Monday, the Assam government confirmed that it would initiate the process of withdrawing all five cases registered in connection with the NEET protests.
According to the state Home Department, 13 people had been arrested in these cases as of 6 p.m. on July 26.
The department stated that no further adverse legal action would be taken against those involved in the demonstrations. It also announced that the existing cases would be withdrawn in accordance with legal procedures, while the arrests would be reviewed and eligible detainees released after completing the required formalities.
Bihar Also Announces Relief for NEET Protesters
The Bihar government made a similar announcement, stating that it would withdraw all cases filed against NEET protesters and release those arrested during the demonstrations.
Officials said that no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against people who participated in the protests before 6 p.m. on July 26. The government also confirmed that FIRs, criminal complaints, and show-cause notices issued against protesters would be withdrawn.
According to police data, 694 people were detained during the Bihar bandh organized by pro-Left student groups on July 25. Of these, 339 were minors, who were later released, while the remaining 355 individuals were booked under various legal provisions.
The state government has now directed that everyone arrested or detained in connection with the protests be released, with no further legal proceedings to follow.
CJP Says Agreement Reached During Talks
The announcements came shortly after the Cockroach Janta Party reiterated its demand that all legal cases against students, organizers, and supporters involved in the NEET paper leak protests should be withdrawn.
CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the issue had been discussed with government representatives during negotiations held on July 25, before the party ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to Ranka, both sides had agreed that all protest-related FIRs would be withdrawn and that no new criminal cases would be filed against participants.
Party Seeks Written Assurance From Government
While welcoming the governments’ decisions, the CJP said it is awaiting a formal written commitment confirming the agreement.
Ranka stated that the government was expected to provide written assurance after completing the necessary legal consultations. He warned that if the promises were not implemented or if protesters continued to face legal action, the organization would restart its agitation.
He also emphasized that students, protest organizers, and supporters should not face harassment or fresh legal proceedings in the future.
“We are waiting for the government to provide the written agreement. We expect the commitment to be honored, all FIRs to be withdrawn, those detained to be released, and no new cases to be registered against protesters or organizers,” Ranka said.
Focus Shifts to Implementation
With both Assam and Bihar announcing the withdrawal of protest-related cases, attention has now shifted to the implementation of these decisions. Protest organizers are closely monitoring the process and have indicated that any delay or deviation from the agreed terms could lead to a renewed phase of demonstrations over the NEET paper leak issue.