Mumbai, June 17: The Maharashtra government’s cabinet subcommittee has recommended the withdrawal of 44 cases related to various religious, political, and social movements in the state. Ashish Shelar, the Minister of Cultural Affairs and chair of the subcommittee, announced this on Wednesday.
The state government formed this subcommittee to review cases registered during political and social movements and recommend the withdrawal of appropriate cases. In a previous meeting, the committee had suggested withdrawing 77 cases, and in Wednesday’s session, an additional 44 cases were recommended for withdrawal.
During the meeting, a total of 133 applications related to cases registered with the police were reviewed. The decision was made to withdraw cases against 44 applicants.
The meeting included the Principal Secretary of the Law and Justice Department, the Director of the Public Prosecution Directorate, officials from the Home Department, and senior police officers from across the state.
The committee clarified that cases involving crimes against women, serious criminal offenses, and personal and civil disputes cannot be withdrawn under the state government’s policy. Therefore, requests for the withdrawal of such cases were denied.
The committee also noted that, according to government proposals and Supreme Court directives, only the Bombay High Court can make final decisions regarding cases involving current and former MPs and MLAs. Necessary procedures are being followed in this regard.
Out of the 133 applications, 14 cases have been recommended for reconsideration by regional committees chaired by police deputy commissioners from the relevant areas. Additionally, among the 35 cases reviewed, some had already been resolved, while 32 were found to be outside the committee’s jurisdiction. Currently, only eight cases remain under consideration.
Ashish Shelar stated that unnecessary cases are often filed against social activists, political party workers, protesters, and individuals involved in ideological movements. It is the state government’s responsibility to relieve such individuals from unwarranted legal troubles.
The cases recommended for withdrawal on Wednesday include those related to Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dahi Handi celebrations, social events, cow protection movements, and labor movements.
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