Maharashtra orders withdrawal of NEET protest FIRs, but cases won’t close immediately

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government initiated the process to withdraw FIRs filed against individuals involved in protests against the alleged NEET paper leak. The order, a Government Resolution (GR), brings these cases under the existing mechanism for withdrawing cases related to political and social protests. However, those named in the cases must wait, as the process involves police investigation, filing of chargesheets, examination by a local committee, and eventually a court decision.

The deadline for filing chargesheets has been extended from July 31, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The new GR also covers protests in support of the agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The government aims to complete the withdrawal process in a timely manner, with the delay being due to the need for priority handling of the FIRs related to the student protests.