Lawyers teamed up to ensure bail within hours of SC order for 16 arrested over July 24 Kolkata stir
A group of lawyers in Kolkata is providing pro bono legal assistance to 16 individuals arrested following a protest against the Union Education Minister. The arrests occurred after clashes at a rally, with the state invoking the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions between civil liberties, protest rights, and state-level enforcement of public safety laws in India.
A sea of protesters hit the roads in Kolkata on July 24 in support of the students at Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister. With the state cracking down on the protesters over alleged role in violence during the stir, a group of lawyers worked quietly behind the scenes to assist 16 people who were arrested by the police.
At least 11 senior criminal lawyers, along with several juniors from each of their teams, have teamed up under the aegis of the All India Lawyers’ Union and providing legal assistance to the arrested pro bono. Over the years, many of them have also appeared for victims detained or arrested in connection with various protests across Kolkata, including over R.G. Kar student’s rape-murder, the school jobs scam, and other students’ and trade unions’ demonstrations.
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