Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state Home Department to withdraw police cases and revoke FIRs registered against
students who participated in recent protests over examination-related issues and alleged paper leaks, accoridng to sources. The decision comes after appeals from several political leaders and public representatives, including Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who urged the government to ensure that criminal proceedings do not adversely affect the academic and professional futures of students. According to sources, the Home Department has been instructed to initiate the process of withdrawing cases registered during the demonstrations held in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and other parts of the state. The protests were organised over examination-related concerns and alleged recruitment paper leak controversies. Police had registered cases against several participants as the demonstrations and marches were held without prior permission. Authorities had also cited the enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 144 in certain areas at the time of the protests. Sources said the move is aimed at providing relief to students while ensuring that their participation in the demonstrations does not have long-term legal consequences. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also ordered authorities to release all students who are below 18 years of age. However, the top court made it clear that those having a criminal background will not get protection from arrest. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant made these remarks while hearing a batch of petitions alleging police crackdown during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP's) July 20 "Sansad Chalo" protest march.
