Maharashtra to withdraw social, political agitation cases

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra government Monday decided to withdraw police cases filed against activists for agitations over various social or political causes.

The decision of the state cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will be applicable to cases filed from May 2005 till November 2014 across the state, an official statement said.

The previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government had taken a similar decision to withdraw such agitation cases between May 2005 and July 2010, which has now been extended till November 2014.

Official sources said this will largely benefit activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and other parties which were in the opposition and their workers agitated against various issues in the past 10 years.

Political activists or groups which were involved in rioting, arson, damage to public and private property for pressing various issues, may also get relief.

However, people involved in agitations which resulted in casualties may not get immediate benefit, the sources indicated.

The government's 'forgiving' move is also expected to considerably ease the burden on the police department and various courts hearing such cases.