What happened (July 24 Kolkata protest → violence → 16 arrests → bail after Supreme Court direction)
Kolkata Police arrested 16 people after violence was reported near Dorina Crossing during a July 24 rally linked to student protests in Kolkata. The protests supported students in Delhi demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The rally involved the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Left-affiliated student outfits. The West Bengal government invoked the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026 and registered multiple FIRs, including a suo motu FIR and additional FIRs based on complaints from journalists allegedly assaulted by a mob.
Senior criminal lawyers from the All India Lawyers’ Union assisted the accused pro bono. The lawyers argued that mere presence at the scene does not prove criminal intent and pressed the court for quick relief in line with a Supreme Court direction.
After the Supreme Court ordered police across states to release minor protesters without criminal backgrounds and drop charges, the lawyers submitted the Supreme Court order in court and sought release. Kolkata Police later withdrew the suo motu FIR and dropped charges; by evening, the court granted bail to all 16 arrested persons and they were released.
Background and earlier position (anti-social activity law + multiple FIRs, including suo motu)
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