Ashish Shelar clarified that cases involving crimes against women, serious criminal offences, or personal/civil disputes are not eligible for withdrawal under the government's policy, and applications related to such matters have been categorically rejected
Ashish Shelar said that many activists, political party workers, protesters were unnecessarily booked. File Pic
The Maharashtra government has recommended the withdrawal of 77 cases filed during various religious, political, and social agitations across the state, while 47 applications involving serious offences have been rejected, state minister Ashish Shelar said on Monday.
Speaking after a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Shelar said a total of 201 applications had been received for withdrawal of cases. Of these, 77 were found eligible and will now be referred to regional committees, chaired by Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), for further scrutiny.
Shelar clarified that cases involving crimes against women, serious criminal offences, or personal/civil disputes are not eligible for withdrawal under the government's policy, and applications related to such matters have been categorically rejected, according to the PTI.
"Out of the 201 applications received, the Cabinet Sub-Committee has recommended withdrawal in 77 cases. These will now be placed before regional committees chaired by Deputy Commissioners of Police for further review," Ashish Shelar said.
He said that six cases involving sitting or former MLAs and MPs fall under government resolutions and Supreme Court directives, and their final disposal will be determined by the Bombay High Court.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee, set up to examine petitions for withdrawal of cases arising out of social, political and agitation-related incidents, is chaired by Ashish Shelar, who is state minister for Cultural Affairs, IT and is also Mumbai suburban district guardian minister.
The meeting was attended by Law and Judiciary Department Principal Secretary Uday Shukla, Director of Prosecution Ashok Bhillare, Home Department Deputy Secretary Chetan Nikam apart from senior police officials.
Ashish Shelar said that many activists, political party workers, protesters and participants in ideological movements were unnecessarily booked, and that it was the government's responsibility to provide them relief, the news agency reported.
Matters registered during Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dahi Handi celebrations, social programmes held during the COVID-19 period, and labour agitations will remain open for review on the basis of fresh applications, the senior BJP leader added.
"A new meeting will soon be convened in this regard. Ganeshotsav mandals, Navratri mandals, social organisations, union representatives and activists should approach the government with their applications," the minister said.
(with PTI inputs)
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