The Supreme Court directed the release of detained minors and barred coercive action against student protesters without criminal records. Several states including Maharashtra began steps to withdraw FIRs while the Cockroach Janata Party warned of fresh protests.
On July 28 the Supreme Court ordered authorities to release all minors held in connection with the demonstrations over the NEET examination paper leak. The court permitted investigation of existing FIRs but restrained police from taking coercive measures against protesting students unless they had criminal antecedents.
Maharashtra directed its Home Department to begin withdrawing cases against protesters. West Bengal granted bail to 16 individuals while Bihar and Assam also withdrew some FIRs. Police in Mumbai stated that investigation procedures would continue until a formal order halted them.
The Cockroach Janata Party expressed alarm over the order allowing FIRs to remain. Spokesperson Saurav Das said the direction contradicted the Centre’s assurance of no punitive action. Founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that harassment of students could lead to a new peaceful protest.
