Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Maharashtra begins withdrawing FIRs from NEET protest cases
Many students in Maharashtra were upset because they believed the NEET medical entrance exam had a paper leak.
They joined protests, and police registered cases, called FIRs, against more than a thousand people in Mumbai alone.
Now the Maharashtra government has started the process of withdrawing these cases.
However, the cases will not close right away.
Police must first finish investigations and file chargesheets.
Then committees will review the cases, and finally a court will decide whether to withdraw them.
The government has extended the deadline for filing chargesheets to March 31, 2027.
A government source said the move was rushed because the student protest cases were a priority.
This was one of the key demands of the protest organizers after the largely peaceful agitation was called off.
The Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution to formally begin withdrawing FIRs registered against students and others during protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
The cases will not close immediately; police must first investigate and file chargesheets before government committees and courts consider withdrawal.
The deadline for filing chargesheets in cases eligible for withdrawal was extended from July 31, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
In Mumbai alone, nearly two dozen FIRs were registered naming more than 1,000 people.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had directed the Home Department to begin the withdrawal process, a key demand of protest organizers.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, acting on behalf of students, youngsters and others named in protest FIRs.
- What
- The government issued a Government Resolution starting the formal process of withdrawing FIRs registered during protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
- When
- The GR was issued on Wednesday, within 10 days of the new period beginning August 1; the chargesheet deadline was extended to March 31, 2027.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and protests held in support of the Delhi Jantar Mantar agitation.
- Why
- Following criticism over police notices and summons to students, and because FIR withdrawal was a key demand of protest organizers.
- Government body
- Maharashtra Home Department
- Action taken
- Government Resolution issued to begin FIR withdrawal process
- New chargesheet deadline
- March 31, 2027
- Previous deadline
- July 31, 2026
- FIRs in Mumbai
- Nearly two dozen
- People named in Mumbai FIRs
- More than 1,000
- Related protest site
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Chief Minister
- Devendra Fadnavis