Advocate Raja Sengupta (left) and Advocate Syed Nafirul Islam
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
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.
All 16 people were arrested over the violence that erupted on July 24 at the Dorina Crossing in Esplanade during the rally by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Left-affiliated student outfits. The police had resorted to baton charge and tear gas shells to control the situation. The next day, a total seven FIRs were registered in connection with the violence, including a suo motu FIR by the police for alleged provocative speech and unlawful gathering, and six more on the basis of complaints made by seven journalists who were assaulted by a mob. The State also invoked recently enforced West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026 against all of them.
“It is a question of saving our democracy, the Constitution, and the very rights of the people. Participating in a protest is not a crime,” said Syed Nafirul Islam, a veteran criminal lawyer, who insists there is no forensic or video evidence linking the accused to stone-pelting or vandalism during the protest.
Soon after he got the news of the arrest, he formed a team to assist them. On Sunday, they appealed for bail but all 16 accused were remanded in police custody until Tuesday by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s (CMM) court and then until July 30 in judicial custody. “We had argued that the accused include students, fruit vendors, small businessmen, and social workers. They were in the vicinity when the clash took place, but it does not establish any criminal intent,” said Mr. Islam.
FIR withdrawn
With the Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) directing the police across States to release protesters and drop charges against them if they are minors and do not have a criminal background, Mr. Islam’s team submitted a copy of the order requesting the CMM to release the accused. In the afternoon, Kolkata Police informed the court that it has withdrawn the suo motu FIR and dropped all charges. By 6 p.m., all 16 accused were granted bail and released by the police.
“Oppression against protesters by any ruling party is not new. However, it is our duty to support the common people to exercise their democratic rights. We have done our job. CJP and the students have been protesting for a genuine cause and it is their right,” said lawyer Raja Sengupta, secretary of the Bankshall Court Bar Association, who had also rushed to the aid of the 16 accused.
Advocates believe the apex court order reinforced people’s faith in the judiciary. “It was a peaceful protest. Minor clashes may happen when there is a large gathering. But the state cannot humiliate the protesters. This is a win for our judiciary and democracy,” said Ejaz Akhtar, a Calcutta High Court lawyer.
Published – July 30, 2026 07:22 am IST
