Bihar Withdraws Cases Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release of Detainees

The Bihar government has announced a significant decision to withdraw all cases registered against individuals who participated in protests concerning the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, provided these cases were filed before 6 PM on July 26, 2026. This directive also includes the immediate release of all persons arrested or detained in connection with these protests. The state's Home Department issued a statement outlining that no adverse legal, punitive, or retaliatory action would be taken against those involved in the demonstrations within the specified timeframe. Furthermore, the legal process to withdraw all existing First Information Reports (FIRs), criminal complaints, and show-cause notices will be initiated immediately. This crucial announcement comes after days of widespread agitation across Bihar and intense pressure from opposition parties, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, and student organizations such as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the All-India Students' Association (AISA). These groups had threatened to escalate their protests if the cases were not withdrawn and detainees released. The CJP, which led a nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities, had repeatedly demanded that no legal action be taken against protesters. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das welcomed the Bihar government's move, calling it a 'big relief' and a 'major victory' for the students and protesters. The protests, which culminated in a 'Bihar Bandh' on July 25, 2026, saw widespread violence and clashes between demonstrators and police. According to Bihar Police data, approximately 694 people were detained across the state in connection with the July 25 strike. Of these, 355 youths were remanded in judicial custody, while 339 minors and others were released after age verification. The violence resulted in injuries to 91 police personnel, including two SPs and two DSPs, and damage to 14 government vehicles, with one vehicle being set on fire. In one instance, a constable, Abhishek Kumar, fired four rounds in the air near JP Chowk, claiming it was to protect government property and personnel; he has since been suspended, and departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated. The government's decision to drop the charges reflects a "humanitarian approach" aimed at safeguarding the future of the students, ensuring that their education and careers are not adversely affected by their participation in the protests. Officials have stated that no direct or indirect action will be taken against these individuals in the future concerning the cases covered by this announcement. This policy reversal is expected to alleviate the tensions that have persisted since the protests erupted over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The initial protests were triggered by allegations of widespread irregularities, including a paper leak, in the NEET-UG examination, which is a crucial entrance test for medical courses in India. Students and various organizations demanded accountability, reforms in the examination system, and a re-examination. While the central government had initiated investigations and taken some measures, the issue of legal action against protesters remained a significant point of contention. The Bihar government's latest announcement is seen as a direct response to these demands and the continuous pressure from various stakeholders to grant clemency to the students. This move provides substantial relief to hundreds of students and their families who were facing legal repercussions. The implementation of this order, including the swift withdrawal of FIRs and release of detainees, will be closely watched by student organizations and political parties. The assurance of no future action is particularly crucial for the students' peace of mind and academic prospects.

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