In consonance with the Supreme Court order and after evaluating all aspects in connection with the NEET paper leak-related protests, the West Bengal government has decided not to take coercive measures against students who participated in the protests.
The state government, however, said that necessary action would be taken against those with criminal records. In a press release, it said that so far, sixteen persons have been arrested in connection with the NEET protests in the state.
However, the government also clarified that the protection would not apply to people with criminal antecedents.
In a statement issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, the government said the decision was taken after examining all aspects of the case and in view of the Supreme Court’s order passed on July 28 in the matter of Shailendra M. Tripathi Vs. Union of India & Others.
“After due consideration, the government has decided that no coercive measures shall be taken against the students participating in the protests relating to the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination,” the statement said, adding that the protection would not extend to “persons having criminal antecedents, as mandated in the order of the Hon’ble Court.”
West Bengal government also said that one case has been registered on the complaint of the Police in connection with the protests relating to the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination and16 persons have been arrested in connection with the case as of 6 pm on July 26.