GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Monday announced that it will withdraw cases and other legal proceedings initiated against people who participated in protests over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities.In a press release issued by the Home and Political Department, the government said five cases had been registered in Assam in connection with the protests, leading to the arrest of 13 people.“As regards, these cases registered prior to 6pm on 26.07.2026, after careful consideration to all aspects to the circumstances and the consequent need to strengthen accountability and undertake systemic reforms across the examination and higher education ecosystem, the government of Assam has decided- no adverse legal action will be initiated by any of the Police authorities within the State against those persons who have been involved in these protests.“The release said that the process of withdrawing the registered cases, irrespective of the stage of proceedings within Assam, will be initiated promptly as per law.It added that the process of reviewing the arrests and releasing those arrested in connection with the cases would also be initiated expeditiously.According to the press note, the government does not propose to take any further adverse action against individuals involved in the protests, and the matter will be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account.CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das shared the order on X and wrote, “Next up, Assam Government guarantees release of all arrested protesters, no FIRs or action in future, and withdrawal of all existing FIRs.”Previously, Bihar government, too, announced a blanket amnesty for all individuals involved in the massive student-led protests against alleged NEET-UG paper leak.The directive came in the wake of a massive statewide crackdown on July 25, which saw the detention and arrest of 694 protesters during widespread agitations demanding accountability and reforms in the national examination and higher education sectors.In a separate post on X, Das said, “After Bihar and Assam notifications, we have just been guaranteed that no authority will proceed against protesters in Rajasthan. No FIRs have been registered. None will be. We are continuously working to ensure all other risky BJP/NDA states release notifications in the required language in protester’s interest. We will never let any youth fight this alone!”In another post on X, Das said government representatives had met the party.“Government’s representatives met us. The meeting lasted for 2-3 hours. They shared copies of the Bihar and Assam notifications guaranteeing FIR withdrawals, no action in future, and release of all detainees and arrestees. They’ve reiterated their promise of releasing guarantee-notifications by union government and other BJP/NDA states by tomorrow. Hopefully, the agreed upon language shall be used. No protester will be left alone. We are all in this together,” he said.The agitation was called off on July 25 after then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.The government had then agreed with the CJP and activist Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw cases, prevent police intimidation and introduce anti-paper leak legislation.(With inputs from ANI)
