In a significant development linked to the nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities, the Maharashtra government has decided to withdraw criminal cases registered against students and young protesters who participated in demonstrations demanding accountability in the education system.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the state Home Department to begin the process of withdrawing the cases. Officials clarified that the withdrawal will follow the legal procedure and will require approval from the concerned courts before becoming effective.
Maharashtra Follows Bihar’s Move
The decision comes shortly after the Bihar government announced that it would withdraw cases filed against protesters before 6 pm on July 26 and facilitate the release of those detained during the statewide agitation.
According to the Bihar Home Department, no punitive or retaliatory legal action would be pursued against individuals who participated in the protests before the notified deadline, offering relief to many students facing legal proceedings.
CJP Welcomes Government Decision
Reacting to the development, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das termed the move a major relief for students. In a post on X, he said the announcement followed the party’s recent press conference, during which it had warned of reviving protests if assurances given by the government were not implemented.
The organisation has consistently demanded that no criminal action be taken against students who joined the demonstrations.
Supreme Court Issues Key Directions
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also passed important interim directions while hearing petitions alleging police excesses during the student protests.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, directed that protesters below 18 years of age who have no criminal background should be released.
The court also instructed authorities across states to preserve all electronic and digital evidence related to the protests, including CCTV recordings, drone footage, body-camera videos, PCR logs, wireless communication records and other relevant material.
No Coercive Action Against Eligible Students
The Bench further restrained authorities from taking coercive action against student protesters who do not have criminal antecedents while the matter remains under judicial consideration.
At the same time, the court clarified that investigating agencies may continue probing registered FIRs, provided the investigation proceeds in accordance with law and without unnecessary coercive measures against eligible students.
States Asked to Respond
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh regarding allegations of excessive police action raised in multiple petitions.
With Maharashtra and Bihar moving to withdraw cases and the Supreme Court stepping in to safeguard the rights of student protesters while preserving evidence, the handling of the nationwide agitation is expected to remain under close judicial and public scrutiny in the coming days.
