Mumbai, June 17: The Maharashtra Cabinet Sub-Committee has recommended the withdrawal of 44 criminal cases registered during various religious, political and social movements across the state. The recommendation will now be forwarded to the state government for final approval.
The decision was announced by Cultural Affairs Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee Aashish shelar following a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai.
The sub-committee was constituted to examine requests for withdrawal of cases filed during political and social agitations. Earlier, the committee had recommended the withdrawal of 77 cases. With the latest decision, 44 additional cases have been cleared for withdrawal.
Out of 133 applications received, the committee approved 44 cases for withdrawal. However, cases involving crimes against women, serious offences, personal disputes and civil matters were found ineligible under the government’s policy and were therefore rejected.
The committee also clarified that cases involving sitting or former MLAs and MPs will require a final decision from the Bombay High Court, in accordance with government resolutions and Supreme Court directives.
Further, 14 applications have been sent back for reconsideration by regional committees headed by Deputy Commissioners of Police. Several cases had already been disposed of, while others fell outside the committee’s jurisdiction. Only eight cases remain pending for review.
Shelar stated that the initiative aims to provide relief to social activists, political workers, protesters and participants in ideological movements who may have faced unnecessary legal action. The cases recommended for withdrawal include those related to Ganeshotsav, Navratri celebrations, Dahi Handi events, social programmes, cow protection movements and labour agitations.
