India Student Protests Spur Crackdown

India's government has proposed tougher laws to punish exam paper leaks after weeks of student protests that have shaken the nation.

The Supreme Court has barred coercive action against protesters without criminal antecedents and ordered the release of detained minors, while Maharashtra's Chief Minister directed the withdrawal of FIRs against those involved in the NEET stir.

The protests, sparked by the NEET and other exam controversies, have seen a heavy police response, including allegations of pellet gun use and plainclothes officers.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has threatened to restart protests if the government fails to honor its assurances on withdrawing cases.