Supreme Court Directs No Coercive Action Against Student Protesters Without Criminal Records; 16 Get Bail in Kolkata

PTI, July 29, 2026, Kolkata: Following the Supreme Court's interim order directing that no coercive action be taken against student protesters without criminal antecedents and calling for their release, especially detained minors, all 16 persons arrested in connection with the violent clashes during the NEET protest march at Dorina Crossing in Kolkata were granted bail by the City Sessions Court on Tuesday.

The West Bengal government issued a press release stating that it had carefully considered all aspects of the case and the apex court's directions, and assured that no coercive measures would be taken against students participating in the protests over the alleged NEET (UG) irregularities.

It also clarified that the protection would not, however, extend to persons with criminal antecedents, in line with the court's order.

The accused were arrested after violence erupted during a demonstration that marched from Sealdah Station to Esplanade, with allegations of vandalism and attacks on journalists and police personnel.

On Tuesday, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court had rejected their bail pleas earlier in the day and remanded them to judicial custody under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

However, the defence approached the City Sessions Court later, citing the Supreme Court's interim directions.

With the state expressing no objection, the Sessions Court granted bail to all 16 on personal bonds of Rs 500 each.

Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui reportedly said that no one can show video evidence that one of the accused, Sheikh Salman, assaulted any journalists.

The Bihar and Assam governments on Monday had announced that they would withdraw all cases and release those arrested in connection with recent protests against the NEET examination paper leaks.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court indicated that an independent probe may be necessary into allegations of police excesses and violence during student protests held across the country over examination paper leaks and other systemic issues since July 20.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana observed that the allegations placed before it prima facie warranted a fair and independent investigation and hinted that it may constitute a Special Investigation Team headed by a former Supreme Court judge.

The court sought responses from the Centre, the Delhi government and the governments of Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala.

The court also issued a series of interim directions.

It ordered the preservation of all CCTV footage, drone recordings, body-worn camera footage, videography, wireless communication records and PCR logs relating to the protests.

It further directed authorities to preserve the personal information and digital data of protesters without making it public, and restrained governments from publishing their personal details.

The Bench directed that investigations into registered FIRs may continue, but no coercive steps should be taken against student protesters who have no criminal antecedents.

It also ordered the release of all detained children below 18 years of age without criminal records, permitting their release on simple bonds if required.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 3.