01 August,2026 10:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray (right) with his father and party chief Uddhav Thackeray during the student protest in Mumbai last month. PIC/X
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday sought clarification on the implementation of the Maharashtra government's decision to withdraw criminal cases registered against students, youth and others who participated in protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In a letter to Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date, Thackeray referred to the Home Department's notification issued on July 31, which directed the withdrawal of FIRs and criminal cases registered against those who took part in protests held across Maharashtra in support of the demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, following the prescribed legal procedure, news agency PTI reported. The government had also directed that no adverse or punitive action be taken against those concerned.
Welcoming the decision, Thackeray said confusion remained over its implementation, with students, parents, lawyers, and citizens continuing to raise concerns.
"We welcome this decision. However, we have been receiving continuous representations from students, parents, advocates, and citizens across the state, expressing uncertainty regarding the manner in which this decision will be implemented in practice," he said.
Thackeray noted that many students were still receiving police notices, investigations were continuing in several cases and multiple criminal proceedings remained pending before courts.
Seeking uniform implementation across the state, Thackeray asked whether the Home Department's directions would apply to all FIRs, criminal cases, and pending proceedings arising out of student protests linked to the Jantar Mantar demonstration.
He also sought clarification on whether investigations and punitive action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws would be stayed with immediate effect.
Thackeray further asked whether police stations would initiate proposals for withdrawal of cases on their own or whether affected students and their advocates would have to file separate applications. He also sought details on the procedure for withdrawing cases pending before courts, including whether applications would be moved through public prosecutors under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and asked if any timeline had been fixed for completing the process.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also asked whether the Maharashtra Police had issued a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or circular to police commissioners, superintendents of police, and police stations regarding implementation of the government's decision.
He sought clarification on the status of students who continue to face arrest, inquiry, attendance requirements before the police, or other legal and administrative action despite the government's order.
"It is essential that the government's decision does not remain merely on paper but is implemented uniformly and effectively throughout the state. Students who exercised their democratic right to protest should not suffer unnecessary adverse consequences in their academic, professional, or social lives on account of criminal proceedings," Thackeray said.
He urged the Maharashtra Police to ensure prompt and consistent implementation of the government's decision across the state.
(With PTI inputs)
