Relief Granted in 77 Cases Related to Social and Political Movements – Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : Out of 201 applicants facing cases registered during religious, political, and social movements in the state, the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed by the government has recommended the withdrawal of cases against 77 applicants. This was announced by Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

The meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, constituted to consider withdrawal of cases filed during political and social movements in Maharashtra, was held at Sahyadri Guest House under the chairmanship of Minister Adv. Shelar. Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary of Law and Justice Department Uday Shukla, Director of Prosecution Ashok Bhillare, Deputy Secretary of the Home Department Chetan Nikam, along with senior police officials from across the state.

Minister Shelar clarified that cases related to crimes against women, serious criminal offenses, as well as personal and civil disputes, cannot be withdrawn under government policy. Therefore, such cases have been explicitly denied withdrawal. He also added that six cases involving MLAs, former MLAs, MPs, and former MPs will have to be finally decided by the Bombay High Court as per government resolutions and Supreme Court directions, and steps are being taken in that direction.

Of the 201 applications received by the Sub-Committee, reconsideration has been recommended in 77 cases. These will now be placed before the regional committees chaired by Deputy Commissioners of Police, Minister Shelar informed.

He further stated that many social activists, political party workers, protestors, and participants in ideological movements had cases filed against them without sufficient grounds. It is the responsibility of the government to provide them relief from such unnecessary litigations, he emphasized.

Cases registered during Ganeshotsav, Navratrotsav, Dahi Handi celebrations, social programs held during the COVID-19 pandemic, labor movements, and similar events are also open for reconsideration on the basis of new applications. A follow-up meeting will soon be held in this regard. Before that, Ganesh festival committees, Navratri mandals, social organizations, union representatives, and activists have been urged to submit their applications to the government, Minister Shelar appealed.