After Bihar, Assam becomes 2nd BJP-ruled state to withdraw all NEET protest cases

Md Irshad Ayub

27 July 2026 (Publish: 08:36 PM IST)

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Following Bihar’s lead, the Government of Assam has announced the withdrawal of all FIRs linked to the NEET-UG protests related to the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, provided they were registered before 6:00 PM on 26 July 2026. The announcement also orders the release of all arrested protesters and confirms that no punitive legal action will be pursued against demonstrators, who had been demanding strict accountability and sweeping reforms within the NTA, according to the official press release issued by the Assam Government’s Home and Political Department on 27 July 2026.

The decision was announced through a press release issued by the Home and Political Department on Sunday, stating that as of 6 p.m. on July 26, a total of five cases had been registered in the state in connection with protests over the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination, leading to the arrest of thirteen individuals.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari signed the press release to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department. Assam becomes second BJP-ruled state to withdraw FIRs against NEET protesters. The government has now directed that:

1. No adverse legal action will be initiated against any person who participated in the protests.
2. All registered FIRs pertaining to these cases will be withdrawn in accordance with law, irrespective of the current stage of proceedings.
3. The review of all arrests will be completed on priority, and those detained will be released expeditiously.
4. No further proceedings will be pursued, and the matter will be treated as closed.

The announcement comes shortly after the Bihar Government issued a similar order, signalling that BJP/NDA-ruled states are beginning to implement the assurances reportedly given by the Union Government during discussions with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had suspended its nationwide protest following those assurances.

Earlier, the CJP’s chief spokesperson shared a post on his social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) in which he expressed serious concern over reports that protesters continue to face detention and police action in several states, particularly Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

In an official statement posted on X, the organisation said its legal team is coordinating with lawyers across the affected states to secure the release of detainees and provide legal assistance wherever required. The CJP has urged the Government of India, particularly Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, to honour the assurances made to protesters by ensuring the immediate release of all detainees, withdrawing every FIR registered against protesters, and preventing any coercive or retaliatory action in any BJP- or NDA-ruled state.

The organisation also reminded the Union Government of its commitment to provide a written guarantee by 28 July 2026, stating that the suspension of the nationwide agitation was made in good faith based solely on the government’s assurance. It warned that any departure from those commitments would amount to a breach of trust not only with the CJP but also with lakhs of young Indians who chose dialogue over continued protests.

Protests over the alleged NEET (UG) examination irregularities were organised across several parts of India, with thousands of students and supporters participating in marches, demonstrations, and public gatherings demanding accountability, systemic reforms, protection of protesters, and justice for affected students. With Bihar and Assam now announcing the withdrawal of cases and the release of detainees, attention has shifted to other states where protesters and civil society groups continue to demand that similar assurances be implemented without delay.

The Assam government’s decision is likely to provide relief to protesters facing legal action, and is being seen as a gesture of reconciliation amid ongoing talks on broader exam-system reforms.

Md Irshad Ayub is Founding English editor at millat times and Delhi-based freelance journalist.