Kolkata Protest Arrests: Lawyers Secure Release of 16 After Supreme Court Order
On July 24, 2026, a large protest in Kolkata's Esplanade area, supporting students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, turned violent. Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals.
The arrests were made under the recently enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026. Seven FIRs were filed, including a suo motu case by police for alleged provocative speech and unlawful gathering, and six complaints from journalists who reported being assaulted.
In response, a group of 11 senior criminal lawyers, along with junior colleagues, formed a team under the All India Lawyers' Union to provide pro bono legal assistance to the accused. The team argued that the accused included students, fruit vendors, small businessmen, and social workers who were merely present during the clashes and lacked criminal intent.
Initially, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court remanded the accused to police custody until July 28, then to judicial custody until July 30. However, on July 28, the Supreme Court directed all states to release protesters and drop charges against minors and those without criminal backgrounds.
Following this order, the defence team submitted the Supreme Court's directive to the magistrate. Kolkata Police informed the court that it had withdrawn the suo motu FIR and dropped all charges. By 6 p.m. on July 28, all 16 accused were granted bail and released.
Lawyers involved in the case stated that the Supreme Court's order reinforced public faith in the judiciary. They emphasized that while minor clashes can occur during large gatherings, the state should not humiliate protesters. The incident highlights the role of legal professionals in upholding democratic rights.
