CJP Launches Legal Aid Network, Demands Release of Student Protesters

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday accused the Centre of violating its agreement to withdraw police cases against protesters. The ruling BJP governments in Bihar and Assam confirmed that all protest-related cases would be withdrawn and protesters detained before 6 p.m. on July 26 would be released.

However, the West Bengal government has not yet issued any official notification or order regarding the withdrawal of cases or the release of detained protesters.

Bihar and Assam Move To Comply

The Assam Home and Political Department announced late on Monday night that five cases related to the protests would be withdrawn and that the 13 people detained in connection with the demonstrations would be released soon.

The Bihar administration, in a statement, said that anyone who participated in the protests before 6 p.m. on July 26 would not face any "punitive, retaliatory, or adverse legal action." It added that no "direct or indirect action" would be taken against those named in cases registered before the deadline, and those arrested or detained before 6 p.m. on July 26 would be released expeditiously. According to sources, during the Bihar bandh on July 25, 694 people were arrested across the state, of whom 339 minors and students were released after verification.

Neha Bora demands release of protesters

Neha Bora, the national president of the All India Students' Association (AISA), arrived in Patna on Monday after ending her 23-day hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She demanded the immediate release of those arrested and the withdrawal of all cases against the protesters.

"Arresting students and invoking serious charges such as attempt to murder against them for protesting is unacceptable. The government must honour its assurance and withdraw all cases against the protesters; otherwise, Bihar, too, will witness protests similar to those in Delhi," Bora said.

CJP launches legal aid network

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Ashutosh Ranka, and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das addressed a press conference on the FIRs registered against student protesters.

Das said the CJP had anticipated legal action against protesters even before its sit-in at Jantar Mantar concluded on July 25. He said the CJP leadership had met Sibal to seek legal advice on assisting protesters facing criminal cases across the country.

The CJP also announced a nationwide legal aid cell and launched SAAKSHI, an online platform for collecting evidence related to the protests. Sibal announced a ₹1 crore corpus to establish and operate the legal aid network, saying the funds would be used exclusively to provide legal assistance to the protesters.