Bihar Pardons Anti-NEET Protesters Following Pressure from Left-Wing Student Unions
The Bihar government announced the immediate withdrawal of all criminal cases and the release of hundreds detained during protests over the NEET examination breach. This policy shift follows intensive demonstrations and demands from legislative leaders and student activists.
State Reverses Legal Action Against Bandh Participants
In a significant shift, the Bihar Home Department issued a late-evening directive on July 27, 2026, ordering the immediate cessation of legal proceedings against individuals involved in the recent NEET paper leak demonstrations. The government confirmed it will not pursue punitive or retaliatory measures against anyone who participated in protests before 6 p.m. on July 26, 2026.
Official records indicate that police had detained 694 individuals during the Bihar Bandh on July 25. While 339 minors were previously released, 355 others remained in custody facing criminal charges. This group includes high-profile figures such as former State minister Tej Pratap Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Sandeep Saurav. The Home Department has now mandated the withdrawal of all First Information Reports (FIRs), criminal complaints, and show-cause notices related to these events.
Escalating Pressures and Political Demands
This administrative decision arrived shortly after All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora met with Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar. Holding the threat of national-scale demonstrations similar to those at Jantar Mantar, Bora submitted a formal memorandum demanding the release of all activists. Leaders within the state also voiced their opposition to the initial crackdowns, including Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who publicly sought the release of all detainees.
Timeline of the Unrest
- July 22: Protests ignited as AISA activists marched near the Chief Minister’s residence.
- July 25: Left-wing student organizations enforced a statewide shutdown, resulting in numerous arrests and clashes with security personnel.
- July 27: The state government formally announced the amnesty, stating no future direct or indirect action would be taken against these protesters.
Responding to the news, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya characterized the move as a victory for public pressure, following what he described as a retreat by the ruling administration. The protests were originally sparked by the NEET examination scandal and subsequent police force used against student groups across the state.
Source: The Hindu — Home
