Key Points

The Maharashtra government has decided to withdraw cases against 77 applicants involved in social agitations. However, serious offences including crimes against women have been categorically rejected for withdrawal. Cases involving MLAs and MPs will need Bombay High Court approval before any action. The government is also keeping the door open for fresh applications regarding festival and celebration-related cases.

Key Points: Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar Announces 77 Protest Cases Withdrawn

  • Committee reviewed 201 social agitation cases from various protest movements
  • Serious crimes against women and personal disputes categorically rejected
  • Six cases involving MLAs and MPs require Bombay High Court approval
  • Ganeshotsav and Navratri celebration cases remain open for fresh applications
  • Regional committees to review 77 approved cases before final withdrawal
2 min read

Relief in 77 cases, rejection in 47 serious matters: Maha Minister

Maharashtra government approves withdrawal of 77 social agitation cases while rejecting 47 serious matters involving crimes against women and other grave offences.

"Many activists, political party workers, protestors and participants in ideological movements were booked in cases unnecessarily - Ashish Shelar"

Mumbai, Sep 29

Out of 201 social agitations in the state, the Maharashtra Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday recommended withdrawal of cases against 77 applicants.

The minister clarified that cases relating to crimes against women, serious offences, and personal or civil disputes cannot be pardoned under government policy. Therefore, such cases have been categorically rejected for withdrawal.

He further stated that in six cases involving MLAs, former MLAs, MPs, and former MPs, as per government resolutions and directives of the Supreme Court, the final decision will have to be taken by the Bombay High Court. Steps are being taken in this direction, he added.

Out of the 201 applications received by the Sub-Committee, 77 have been recommended for reconsideration, and these cases will now be placed before regional committees chaired by Deputy Commissioners of Police, informed Minister Shelar.

He added that many activists, political party workers, protestors and participants in ideological movements were booked in cases unnecessarily. It is the government’s responsibility to provide them relief from such baseless cases, he noted.

Cases registered during events like Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dahi Handi celebrations, social programs held during the COVID-19 period, labour agitations and other such events will remain open for review on the basis of fresh applications, he clarified. A fresh meeting in this regard will soon be convened.

Before that, Ganeshotsav mandals, Navratri mandals, social organisations, union representatives and activists should submit their applications to the government, appealed Minister Shelar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
I appreciate that they're drawing a clear line - serious crimes and crimes against women should never be pardoned. That's the right approach for justice system credibility.
S
Sarah B
What about the COVID-19 cases? Many people were just trying to survive during lockdown and got booked for minor violations. Hope they get proper consideration in the next meeting.
A
Arjun K
The process seems transparent so far. Involving regional committees and High Court for politicians' cases shows they're following due process. Hope this sets a good precedent! 👍
V
Vikram M
While I support relief for genuine cases, I hope this doesn't become a tool for political favoritism. The government must ensure equal treatment for all applicants regardless of political affiliations.
N
Nisha Z
Good that they're considering festival-related cases separately. During Ganeshotsav and Navratri, sometimes police register cases for minor issues. Hope the mandals get justice. 🎉

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