Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has written to the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) seeking clarity on the implementation of the state government’s decision to withdraw cases registered against students and youths involved in protests.
In his letter dated August 1, Thackeray referenced an earlier order from the State’s Home Department that directed the withdrawal of cases against students, youths and others who participated in various protests across Maharashtra in support of demonstrations held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
While welcoming the decision, Thackeray highlighted ongoing confusion regarding its implementation. He noted that students, parents and lawyers have raised concerns about police notices being served, ongoing investigations and pending court cases.
“We welcome this decision. However, we are continuously being contacted by numerous students, parents, lawyers and citizens from across the state, and confusion has arisen regarding how the actual implementation of this decision will take place. Many students are still receiving police notices, investigations are ongoing in some cases, and in many places, cases are pending in courts,” the letter stated.
He requested confirmation on whether the Home Department’s directions apply uniformly to all FIRs, investigations and pending cases related to student protests throughout Maharashtra.
Thackeray also sought clarification on whether ongoing investigations and penal actions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws would be immediately stayed. He asked if police stations would initiate case withdrawals suo motu or if affected students and their lawyers must submit separate applications.
Further, he requested information on the procedure for withdrawing cases pending in courts, including whether applications would be filed through public prosecutors under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and whether a timeline has been established for the process.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA inquired whether the Maharashtra Police had issued a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or circular to all police commissioners, superintendents of police and police stations on implementing the government’s decision and urged that such instructions be made public.
Thackeray also sought clarification on the status of students who continue to face arrest, interrogation, attendance requirements or other police actions despite the government’s directive.
“It is extremely essential that the decision taken by the government does not remain merely on paper and is implemented uniformly and effectively across the entire state. The unnecessary impact of criminal cases should not affect the educational, professional and social future of students protesting through democratic means,” he said.
He urged the DGP to issue immediate clarifications, direct all police agencies in Maharashtra to implement the decision consistently and make those instructions public.