The Bihar government has announced that it will withdraw all police cases registered against students and others who participated in protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, while also ordering the release of those jailed during the demonstrations. The decision comes as a major relief for hundreds of protesters and follows sustained pressure from civil rights groups, student organisations and opposition leaders who had criticised the criminal action against peaceful demonstrators.
The move was confirmed after a series of discussions between state officials and representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an organisation that had recently warned of fresh protests if the government failed to honour earlier assurances. The government has now agreed to withdraw First Information Reports (FIRs) linked to the protests and ensure that those detained in connection with the agitation are released.
According to officials, all cases registered against peaceful protesters before the specified deadline will be withdrawn. Administrative authorities have also been instructed to complete the legal formalities required to release those who remain in custody. The decision is expected to bring relief to many students who feared that criminal proceedings could affect their education, employment opportunities and future careers.
The protests were sparked by allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, including claims of a paper leak that raised serious concerns about the integrity of India’s highly competitive medical entrance test. Thousands of students across several states staged demonstrations demanding a transparent investigation, stronger safeguards against examination malpractice and accountability from authorities responsible for conducting the exam.
In Bihar, where the alleged paper leak first came under national attention, police action against demonstrators became a contentious issue. Several students and activists were booked under various charges after participating in protests. Civil society groups argued that the criminal cases were excessive and unfair, especially since many demonstrations remained peaceful.
The latest announcement marks a significant shift in the state’s approach. By withdrawing the FIRs and releasing detained protesters, the Bihar government has sought to defuse tensions while responding to concerns raised by students and rights groups. Officials maintained that the decision was aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring that young people are not burdened with long-term legal consequences for participating in peaceful protests.
The breakthrough came after marathon discussions held late into the night between government representatives and CJP leaders. According to the organisation, it had earlier received assurances from the authorities that no protester would face legal action. However, after learning that several FIRs had still not been withdrawn, CJP issued a public warning that nationwide demonstrations would resume unless the promise was implemented.
Following the fresh round of talks, the organisation said the Bihar government reaffirmed its commitment to withdraw all protest-related cases. CJP welcomed the decision, calling it an important victory for students and democratic rights. It stressed that those who protested peacefully should not have to face criminal charges for demanding fairness in a national examination.
Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also expressed support for the students and announced legal assistance for those affected by police action. According to CJP, legal teams will continue to monitor the implementation of the government’s decision to ensure that every eligible protester receives relief.
The organisation has maintained that its campaign is not merely about withdrawing police cases but also about protecting the democratic rights of students. It argued that criminalising peaceful protests sends the wrong message to young people who were raising legitimate concerns about the conduct of a public examination that determines the future of lakhs of aspiring doctors.
The development could also influence similar decisions in other states. CJP has claimed that Assam has also initiated steps to withdraw protest-related cases, while discussions are continuing with authorities elsewhere. The organisation has urged the West Bengal government to adopt a similar approach by withdrawing FIRs and releasing those detained during protests linked to the examination controversy.
Education activists have welcomed Bihar’s decision, saying it reinforces the principle that peaceful protests should not invite harsh legal action. They have also called on governments across the country to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and those involved in violence, ensuring that students exercising their democratic rights are not treated as criminals.
