GUWAHATI — The Assam government has officially decided to withdraw all police cases registered against students and youth activists involved in protests over the NEET question paper leak controversy and ordered the prompt release of all individuals arrested or detained during the demonstrations.
According to an official notification released by the state’s Home and Political Department, a total of five police cases had been registered across Assam in connection with the widespread student-led agitations, leading to the arrest of 13 people.
The state government's decision comes on the heels of an ultimatum issued by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which had warned of resuming nationwide agitations if state and central authorities failed to provide written assurances regarding the dismissal of criminal charges filed against student protesters.
Official Notification and State Assurance
The formal order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political) Ajay Tewari, explicitly stated that the state does not intend to pursue any further legal action against the demonstrators and considers the matter fully closed.
"The decision was taken after careful consideration of all aspects of the circumstances and the consequent need to strengthen accountability and undertake systemic reforms across the examination and higher education ecosystem," the notification read.
The state government instructed law enforcement agencies to expedite the legal procedure for withdrawing cases—regardless of their current stage in judicial proceedings—and mandated that those currently in custody be released immediately. Furthermore, police authorities across Assam have been directed not to initiate any adverse background checks or future actions against those who participated in the agitations.
Context of the Protests
Assam, particularly its capital Guwahati, witnessed massive student-led demonstrations on July 23 over the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Thousands of students, parents, and educators took to the streets demanding systemic educational reforms, institutional accountability, and solidarity with activist campaigns across the country.
The nationwide wave of student agitation reached a major turning point on July 25, when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation, conceding to one of the central demands raised by the CJP-led student movement. With the withdrawal of cases in Assam, state authorities aim to de-escalate tensions and restore normal academic environments across educational institutions.
