Indian states withdraw cases as student protests sweep Kolkata

On July 28, 2026 student and left‑wing groups staged rallies in Kolkata demanding the repeal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Testing Agency (NTA), while broader protests over a NEET paper leak continued across the country. In response, the governments of Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra announced they will withdraw all legal cases filed against the protesters and release those detained. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reported that Rajasthan has provided a similar guarantee and that West Bengal is expected to follow suit. Officials said the Union government has assured that no punitive action will be taken against participants in the nationwide agitation.

The protests, organized by various student factions and supported by sections of political parties, highlight ongoing dissent over recent education reforms and testing mechanisms in India.