Kolkata, 29 July (H.S.) : The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to submit an action taken report within three weeks on the alleged attack on journalists during a protest rally against the NEET-UG question paper leak held in Kolkata on July 24.

Hearing a petition on the matter, the single-judge bench of Justice Krishna Rao also asked the state government whether it was considering framing guidelines to prevent violence and disorder during public rallies and processions.

The petition was filed following the alleged assault on media personnel during the protest march organised by the student and youth wings of Left parties along with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

Counsel for the petitioner told the court that there was no objection to students holding democratic protests, but argued that the government should formulate clear guidelines to curb violence and ensure accountability during such demonstrations. The petitioner also sought measures to fix responsibility on the organising political parties if incidents of violence occur during rallies.

After the preliminary hearing, the High Court directed the state government to place a detailed report before the court within three weeks outlining the steps taken in the matter.

In connection with the incident, Kolkata Police had initially arrested 16 people on charges of attacking police personnel and journalists. However, on Tuesday, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Kolkata granted bail to all 16 accused after their counsel referred to a Supreme Court order.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government issued a statement on Tuesday night clarifying that no coercive action, including arrests, would be taken against students who participated in the July 24 joint protest. However, it added that the relaxation would not apply to individuals with criminal records, and action against them would be taken in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh