Mumbai Lawyers Offer Free Aid to NEET Protest Students

A group of lawyers, including senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, has come forward to provide free legal representation to students who are facing police action for protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak in Mumbai. The lawyers have questioned the legality of the detentions and notices issued to students and plan to move a legal challenge before the Bombay High Court.

The Mumbai Police have been registering criminal cases against students who participated in the protest, with many being detained and released after several hours. Maneshinde stated that students have the right to be represented and he would provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis. He also mentioned that the government is considering the welfare of the students.

Advocate Sagar Devre, who represents some of the affected students, alleged that hundreds of students have been booked under criminal cases. He also claimed that many students were detained for six to seven hours, including minors, and that women students were kept at police stations after 6 pm. Devre further alleged that FIRs were not uploaded online within 24 hours as required and that students received notices through late-night WhatsApp messages.

A legal notice has been issued to several police stations, including Shivaji Park and Mahim, as well as the state home secretary, challenging the detention of minors, the treatment of women students, and police action against peaceful protesters. The notice seeks copies of FIRs, notices, and police records relating to the detentions.

The lawyers have also alleged that the police have violated the fundamental rights of the students. Advocate Bhagyesha Kurane claimed that students were receiving WhatsApp notices at 2 am or 3 am directing them to appear before police stations the next morning, despite Supreme Court rulings on service of notices. Kurane also alleged that she was denied access to students at RCF police station in Chembur.

The Bombay Bar Association has passed a resolution expressing concern over the police action against the students. A group of eight lawyers has reached out to students extending help. The lawyers plan to challenge the police action in court and ensure that the students' rights are protected.

The NEET protest has been ongoing in Mumbai, with students demanding justice and action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak. The police action against the students has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it is an attempt to suppress the students' right to protest.

The case is likely to be heard in the Bombay High Court soon, where the lawyers will argue that the police action was illegal and that the students' rights were violated. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the students and the future of protests in Mumbai.

In conclusion, the lawyers' decision to offer free legal aid to the students is a significant development in the case. It highlights the importance of protecting the rights of citizens, particularly students, and ensuring that they are not unfairly targeted by the police. The case is a reminder that the right to protest is a fundamental right in a democracy and that it must be protected at all costs.