Maharashtra government decides to withdraw FIRs against protesters; police continue investigation
The Maharashtra government has announced the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students and youth involved in recent protests. However, legal procedures, including
The Maharashtra government has announced the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students and youth involved in recent protests. However, legal procedures, including the recording of statements and issuance of notices, continue as the investigation remains active. On July 28, some protesters received FIR notices via WhatsApp, leading to fresh allegations from student organisations. A day after the State government directed the Home Department to withdraw cases against protesters, the Mumbai Police have stated that investigation procedures will continue until a formal order to halt the process is received. This development has created confusion among the student community and activists. The decision to withdraw the cases came after a joint delegation of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) met the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police. The delegations demanded an end to police harassment and the withdrawal of all FIRs lodged against peaceful demonstrators.
While the government has agreed to the demand, senior police officials have clarified that a probe cannot be stopped midway. According to the legal framework, the process of withdrawing FIRs related to political or social movements begins only after a charge sheet is filed. “Until the charge sheet is submitted, recording statements of accused and witnesses, conducting panchnamas, and other legal formalities are necessary. The cases then go to a scrutiny committee which recommends withdrawal,” an official said. AISF Mumbai President Aamir Kazi stated that despite the announcement, students and youth are still receiving calls and notices, creating fear and confusion. He added that the Director General of Police has suggested that AISF submit a representation to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, urging them not to send new notices to protesters and to stop calling them to police stations. On July 28, starting from 9:30 a.m., several students and youth who participated in the protests received FIR notices on WhatsApp, according to the Harsha Disha student organisation.
In a statement, Harsha Disha said “Once again, the promises made by the Modi government have proven to be nothing more than false hopes. Since 9:30 a.m., students and youth who participated in the protests have been receiving FIR notices on WhatsApp. This is a clear tactic by the Mumbai Police and the BJP government to intimidate and spread fear among the youth, discouraging them from raising further questions or participating in future protests. Our appeal is that the student-youth movement must not rest until all FIRs filed against protesting students are withdrawn and all police officers who incited violence are held legally accountable for their actions. The CJP must stand by its initial demands and revive the protests until every FIR against the protesting students is withdrawn.” – Harsha Disha student organisations, who got FIR on WhatsApp on July 28.
The BriefWire