Aaditya Thackeray asks DGP to clarify withdrawal of FIRs against student protesters

Worli MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has written to Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date seeking clarity over the withdrawal of first information reports (FIRs) registered against students who participated in protests across the State.

In his letter dated August 1, 2026, Mr. Thackeray noted that the Home Department had announced on July 31 that it had decided to withdraw, in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure, criminal cases against students, youth, and other individuals who took part in demonstrations held at various places in Maharashtra in support of the protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Mr. Thackeray said that he and his team have been receiving queries from students, parents, lawyers, and citizens across the State. "There is confusion regarding how the decision will be directly implemented. Many students are still receiving police notices; investigation is underway in some cases; and in many cases, crimes are pending in the court," he wrote.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asked the DGP to clarify several points, including whether the benefit of the Home Department's decision extends to all cases registered in connection with the protests, whether police stations will take suo motu action to withdraw the FIRs, whether students would have to independently file applications in court, and whether a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued to police stations to ensure the cases are withdrawn.

He emphasised that the government's decision must not remain merely on paper but should be implemented uniformly and effectively throughout the State. "Students who exercised their democratic right to protest should not suffer unnecessary adverse consequences in their academic, professional, or social lives on account of criminal proceedings," Mr. Thackeray stated.

The Home Department's decision on July 31 came in the context of protests held in Maharashtra and other parts of the country in solidarity with the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protests involved students and youth raising concerns on various issues. Following these demonstrations, multiple FIRs were registered against participants in different police station jurisdictions.

Mr. Thackeray's letter seeks to ensure that the administrative decision to withdraw cases is implemented without ambiguity. The DGP's office has not yet issued a formal response to the letter. The matter highlights the procedural challenges that can arise when a government announces a policy but does not provide clear guidelines for its execution on the ground.

Observers note that the clarity sought by Mr. Thackeray is pertinent, as legal processes often require specific steps for the withdrawal of FIRs, including obtaining court approval in certain cases. The Home Department's announcement has raised expectations among affected students and their families, who now await a clear mechanism for the implementation of the decision.

This development comes at a time when questions around the right to protest and the handling of related legal cases have been a subject of public debate. While the Home Department has stated its intention to withdraw the cases, the process of doing so requires coordination between the police, the prosecution, and the courts. Mr. Thackeray's letter is a step toward ensuring that the affected individuals are not left in a state of uncertainty.