Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, 28 July directed Maharashtra's Home Department to withdraw all police cases filed against students who took part in agitations over NEET examination irregularities. The move brings relief to hundreds of young aspirants across the state who faced legal jeopardy for participating in what courts and opposition leaders alike have described as democratic protests.

Scale of the Crackdown

Between 12 and 13 FIRs were registered by Mumbai Police across stations including Worli, Dadar, Sion, Mahim, and Shivaji Park. More than 900 individuals were named or booked under bailable charges — primarily unlawful assembly and violation of prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Hundreds of those booked reportedly received notices via WhatsApp directing them to appear before investigating officers.

What the Government Has Directed

CM Fadnavis has issued formal instructions to the Home Department to initiate the withdrawal process. Once completed, students who received FIRs or legal notices during the NEET protests will have their records cleared. Officials indicated the move mirrors steps taken in other states — including Bihar — where similar case-withdrawal directives were issued to protect student futures.

Opposition Pressure and Supreme Court Intervention

The decision follows sustained pressure from opposition leaders. NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil and senior Maharashtra Congress leaders had formally petitioned the Chief Minister to drop all cases, citing the risk of criminal records derailing the academic and professional trajectories of young aspirants. Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier ordered that no coercive action be taken against NEET student protesters across states, including Maharashtra, and directed the immediate release of any detained minors.

Agitation Threat Remains

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had on Monday warned it would resume its nationwide agitation if all pending police cases and FIRs against student protesters across states were not immediately dropped. The Maharashtra government's move may partially address that demand, though cases in other states remain pending. The broader NEET controversy — centred on alleged examination irregularities — continues to roil student communities nationally.

What Happens Next

The Home Department is now expected to formally process the withdrawals through the relevant courts. Students and their families will be watching for official confirmation that FIRs have been quashed rather than merely stayed. With competitive examination cycles already under way, the speed of the legal clearance process will be critical for affected aspirants.