Patna: In a significant decision, the Home Department of the Bihar government on Monday announced the withdrawal of all criminal cases registered against students who participated in protests over the NEET-UG examination.
The Home Department also clarified that no further legal action would be taken against students in connection with the protests.
According to an official communication issued on July 27 by Kshtranil Singh, Special Secretary, Home Department, the government has decided to withdraw all FIRs registered up to 6:00 p.m. on July 26.
The order states that all criminal cases and related legal proceedings arising from the statewide student protests over alleged irregularities and concerns surrounding the NEET-UG examination will be withdrawn.
The government said the decision was taken in the interest of the students’ future so that their education and careers are not adversely affected.
The NEET-UG examination had triggered widespread protests across the country, including in Bihar, where students staged demonstrations over allegations of irregularities and fears of a paper leak.
In several places, the protests turned confrontational, leading to police cases against numerous students on charges including assault or attempted assault on public servants, obstruction of government officials, unlawful assembly, damage to public property, and other related offences.
According to the Home Department, the matter was reviewed on the directions of the Chief Minister.
Following the review, the government adopted what it described as a humanitarian approach and decided to withdraw all pending cases registered within the specified time period.
A senior government official said students are the future and no harsh action would be taken against those who participated in the NEET protests. He added that all pending cases till 6:00 p.m. on July 26 would be withdrawn with immediate effect, and no legal action would be taken against these students in the future.
The announcement has been welcomed by student organisations and parents, many of whom described it as a positive step toward safeguarding students’ futures.
Student leaders also expressed hope that the government would now undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen transparency and credibility in the NEET examination system.
Reacting to the government’s decision, AISA All India President Neha Bora, who was part of a delegation that met Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, urged the authorities to ensure that the decision is implemented in full.
She said the Bihar government had released a notification withdrawing all cases filed before 6:00 p.m. on July 26, and appealed to everyone to stay vigilant until every student was released and all FIRs withdrawn.
The delegation that met the DGP also included Arun Singh, Karakat MLA and RYA National President Ajit Kushwaha, Shiv Prakash Ranjan, and former MLA and CPI(ML) leader Kumar Parvez.
The Bihar government has appealed to students to focus on their studies and refrain from violent protests.
It also invited suggestions through appropriate channels for improving the examination system and preventing future irregularities.
(IANS)
