West Bengal

IIE Digital Desk: Unless they have prior criminal history, the West Bengal government has declared that they will not take any action against students who took part in protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Following an interim order from the Supreme Court, which aimed to protect peaceful protesters while permitting authorities to pursue criminal charges against accused individuals, the assurance has been issued.

In a notification, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant declared that there would be no punitive measures against students who participated in the peaceful protests. But the order said those who had previously been convicted or are thought to have engaged in criminal activity during the protests would not be protected.'".

It follows a day after the Supreme Court today ordered states- West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala to abstain from using coercive action against student protesters. The verdict was delivered on Friday. Following the protests, the apex court mandated the release of detained minors and requested state reports on the matter. Several protesters were detained after clashes with police in Kolkata, which has been the focus of heavy criticism from opposition parties and student organisations.

In response to the Supreme Court's ruling, the state government emphasized that peaceful protest would be constitutionally protected. At the same time, officials said they would continue to target anyone found guilty of violence, vandalism or other crime during the protests.

Many students, who were worried about potential legal issues for taking part in the protests, are expected to find some relief from the notification. The pledge has been embraced by student groups, who are still demanding the elimination of charges against nonviolent demonstrators and accountability for alleged police mistreatment during the protests.

The advancement is a crucial step towards ending the nationwide uproar, as governments grapple with the delicate balance between safeguarding democratic rights and maintaining public order. Further hearings are expected to take place in the coming days as the Supreme Court continues its investigation.