Assam govt withdraws NEET-UG protest cases, orders release of 13 arrested
Synopsis
The Assam government has quietly but decisively stepped back from prosecuting NEET-UG protesters — dropping five cases, ordering the release of 13 arrested individuals, and declaring the matter closed. It is one of the clearest state-level signals yet that the political cost of pursuing students over the exam controversy has become too high to bear.
Key Takeaways
The Assam government has ordered withdrawal of all five criminal cases registered over NEET-UG protest demonstrations.
13 persons arrested in connection with the protests are to be released following a review of their detentions.
The order was issued by the Home and Political Department and signed by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari .
Cases had been registered as of 6 p.m. on 26 July ; the withdrawal directive was issued on 28 July .
The government cited the need for 'systemic reforms in the examination and higher education ecosystem' as the basis for the decision.
The move comes amid a nationwide controversy over alleged NEET-UG irregularities that triggered protests across multiple states.
The Assam government has decided to withdraw all criminal cases registered in connection with protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, and has directed authorities to release the 13 persons arrested in those cases. The decision, formalised through an official order issued by the Home and Political Department on Sunday, 28 July, marks a significant conciliatory step by the state amid sustained nationwide pressure over the medical entrance exam controversy.
What the Order Says
According to the official order, a total of five cases had been registered across Assam as of 6 p.m. on 26 July, in connection with demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities. These cases led to the arrest of 13 individuals. The government stated that no adverse legal action will be initiated by any police authority in Assam against persons who participated in the protests covered under the registered cases.
Authorities have been directed to initiate the withdrawal of all registered cases promptly, irrespective of the current stage of legal proceedings. All arrests and detentions linked to these cases are also to be reviewed, with the expedited release of detained persons specifically ordered. The order made clear that the matter would be treated as closed, with no future proceedings on this account.
Why the Government Acted
The official press release, signed by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari of the Home and Political Department, Government of Assam, cited the need to 'strengthen accountability and undertake systemic reforms in the examination and higher education ecosystem' as the basis for not pursuing further legal action. The government's position is that the circumstances surrounding the protests warranted a review rather than continued prosecution.
This comes amid nationwide concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, which triggered demonstrations in several states. Student organisations and civil society groups had demanded a transparent examination process and accountability for those allegedly responsible for the lapses.
Broader Context of the NEET-UG Row
The NEET-UG controversy has become one of the most politically charged education issues of 2024, with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities drawing scrutiny from the Supreme Court, the Centre, and state governments alike. Protests erupted in multiple cities, with demonstrators — primarily students and their families — calling for a re-examination or systemic overhaul of the National Testing Agency's processes.
Assam was among the states that saw organised demonstrations, prompting local law enforcement to register cases. The decision to now withdraw those cases reflects a broader political recalibration, with governments across the country reassessing their response to student-led protests on the issue.
What Happens Next
The withdrawal process is to be initiated in accordance with the law, and the release of detained persons is to be expedited. The Assam government's move is expected to bring immediate relief to those facing legal proceedings, while broader discussions on reforming the examination system at the national level continue. How the Centre and the National Testing Agency respond to mounting calls for structural reform in the NEET-UG process will determine the longer-term trajectory of this controversy.
Point of View
Not against them. What is notable is the language in the order: framing withdrawal around 'systemic reforms' rather than innocence of the accused is a careful hedge, allowing the government to appear conciliatory without admitting that the arrests were disproportionate. The harder question — whether the NEET-UG examination process itself will see credible, independent reform — remains unanswered, and no state-level gesture can substitute for that accountability.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the Assam government decided regarding NEET-UG protest cases?
The Assam government has decided to withdraw all five criminal cases registered in connection with NEET-UG protest demonstrations and has ordered the release of 13 persons arrested in those cases. The Home and Political Department issued the official order on 28 July, declaring the matter closed with no future proceedings.
How many cases and arrests were involved in the NEET-UG protests in Assam?
As of 6 p.m. on 26 July, five cases had been registered across Assam in connection with NEET-UG protests, resulting in the arrest of 13 persons. All five cases are to be withdrawn and all detained individuals are to be released.
Why did the Assam government withdraw the NEET-UG protest cases?
The government cited the need to strengthen accountability and undertake systemic reforms in the examination and higher education ecosystem as the reason for not pursuing further legal action. The order stated that the circumstances surrounding the protests warranted a conciliatory approach rather than continued prosecution.
Who signed the order withdrawing the NEET-UG protest cases in Assam?
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari signed the press release on behalf of the Home and Political Department, Government of Assam, formalising the decision to withdraw all registered cases and release detained persons.
What is the broader context of the NEET-UG controversy?
The NEET-UG controversy involves allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the national medical entrance examination, which triggered protests across multiple states in 2024. The Supreme Court and the Centre have both been drawn into the debate, with calls for reform or reconstitution of the National Testing Agency.
