Maharashtra’s Big Move: 77 Agitation Cases Set for Withdrawal, 47 Rejected
State plans to withdraw minor agitation-related cases while rejecting those with serious charges.
Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs and IT Minister Ashish Shelar revealed that the state government has recommended the withdrawal of 77 cases linked to religious, political, and social agitations across the state, while rejecting 47 serious matters.
Speaking after a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Shelar emphasized the government’s commitment to providing relief to activists, political workers, and participants in ideological movements who were “unnecessarily booked.” The decision reflects a balanced approach, ensuring that cases involving crimes against women, serious offenses, or personal disputes remain excluded from leniency under existing government policy.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Shelar, who also serves as Mumbai suburban district guardian minister, reviewed 201 applications for case withdrawals. The 77 cases recommended for withdrawal will now proceed to regional committees led by Deputy Commissioners of Police for further scrutiny. Additionally, six cases involving current and former MLAs and MPs fall under government resolutions and Supreme Court directives, with their final disposal to be determined by the Bombay High Court.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Law and Judiciary Department Principal Secretary Uday Shukla, Director of Prosecution Ashok Bhillare, and Home Department Deputy Secretary Chetan Nikam, alongside senior police representatives.
Shelar highlighted that the initiative aims to address grievances from individuals caught up in legal proceedings due to their participation in various agitations, including those tied to cultural events like Ganeshotsav, Navratri, and Dahi Handi, as well as social programs during the COVID-19 period and labor protests.
He noted that many such cases arose from circumstances where activists and participants faced charges for non-serious offenses, and the government views it as its responsibility to offer relief. To ensure fairness, the sub-committee meticulously evaluated each application, rejecting those involving grave crimes or personal disputes that do not qualify for withdrawal under state guidelines.
Also Read: Protests Erupt in Maharashtra Over ‘I Love Mohammed’ Rangoli
The minister announced that cases related to cultural and social events, as well as labor agitations, remain open for review based on fresh applications. He encouraged Ganeshotsav and Navratri mandals, social organizations, union representatives, and activists to submit new petitions for consideration. A follow-up meeting is planned to address these applications, signaling the government’s ongoing commitment to resolving such matters efficiently. This process underscores Maharashtra’s efforts to balance justice with compassion, particularly for those involved in community-driven or ideological movements.
By prioritizing the withdrawal of non-serious cases while upholding strict policies against grave offenses, the Maharashtra government aims to foster goodwill among activists and community groups. Shelar’s leadership in this initiative highlights the state’s broader goal of supporting cultural and social engagement while maintaining law and order. The decision to involve regional committees and the Bombay High Court ensures a transparent and judicious process, reinforcing public trust in the administration’s handling of agitation-related legal matters.
Also Read: Maharashtra Congress Demands Urgent Session to Address Flood Crisis
