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

Mr. Thackeray said that the Home Department had said on July 31 that it had decided to withdraw, in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure, the criminal cases/FIRs registered against students, youth, and other individuals who participated in protests held at various places across Maharashtra in support of the demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

“We are continuously being contacted by many 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,” Mr. Thackeray wrote in the letter on Saturday (August 1, 2026).

He asked if the benefit that Home Department of the State offered extended to all cases; if police stations would pursue suo motu charges; if the students would have to independently file applications in the court; and if a standard operating procedure had been issued to the police to make sure the cases were withdrawn.

“It is essential that the government’s decision does not remain merely on paper but is 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,” he emphasised.

Published - August 02, 2026 10:22 pm IST