Protest March Over Rape-Murder Today: Kolkata Police Issues Advisory for UGC NET Candidates

Kolkata: In view of the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ protest march called by the Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj today, August 27, the Kolkata Police issued an advisory for students who are scheduled to appear for the UGC NET June 2024 re-exam.

The advisory, warning of potential disruptions owing to the planned protest was shared by Kolkata Police on social media platform X.

The march is aimed at the state secretariat and the Chief Minister’s Office. To facilitate smooth access to exam centers, cops have ensured increased police presence and urged candidates to seek assistance from nearby officers if needed.

“Tuesday, August 27, is the day when several candidates are scheduled to take the UGC-NET exam from 9.30 am-12.30 pm and again from 3.00-6.00 pm. An organisation calling itself ‘Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj’ has called for a ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ on the same day,” read the advisory.

"We have ensured adequate police presence on the roads so that no UGC-NET candidate has difficulty reaching their examination centre. In case of any emergency, candidates are requested to seek help from the nearest police personnel, or contact the nearest police station," it further read.

UGC NET exam retest today

After deferring the UGC NET, earlier scheduled to take place on August 26, the NTA had reschduled the exam date to August 27. The exam was deferred due to the observance of Krishna Janmashtami on Aug 26. The exam will take place in two shifts, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Despite the planned protest, authorities have assured that adequate measures will be in place to prevent any disruption for students attending the exam.

Calcutta High Court's stance on protest

In a related development, the Calcutta High Court refused to impose a prohibitory order against the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ protest. The court recognised the Supreme Court's stance on peaceful protests but stressed the importance of public peace and safety. The petitioner had argued for reasonable restrictions, citing concerns over last year’s violence and the nationwide scheduling of the UGC NET exam. The court underlined that maintaining public order is the state’s responsibility and directed the protest organisers to disclose their position within three days.