MUMBAI: In a surprising turn of events, the Maharashtra state government has decided to withdraw cases against 20 former Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including prominent figures such as Shrikant Shinde, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Aditi Tatkare. The announcement was made on Tuesday during proceedings in the High Court.
Advocate General Dr. Virendra Saraf presented details of the cases that have been withdrawn or proposed for withdrawal, covering the period from September 16, 2020, to August 10, 2021. The disclosure comes as a response to the Supreme Court's orders, directing the government to provide information on cases against grandmothers and former MPs and MLAs.
The High Court, presided over by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Arif Doctor, is now tasked with reviewing the decisions to withdraw these cases, taking cognizance of the matter. Despite the government not formally requesting the withdrawal of one case, the High Court has ordered the submission of a list of cases applied by the concerned individuals.
The list of leaders against whom cases have been withdrawn includes Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP leader Jitendra Awad, former MP Hussain Dalwai, MLA Bachchu Kadu, MLA Yashomati Thakur, and MLA Aditi Tatkare. The state government has also proposed to withdraw cases against 17 other former MPs and MLAs, including BJP leader Girish Mahajan, MLA Sanjay Kelkar, and Raksha Khadse.
This development raises questions about the rationale behind withdrawing these cases and has sparked debates regarding transparency and accountability in the political landscape. The High Court's intervention and review of the decisions are crucial steps towards ensuring justice and fairness in the legal proceedings against public representatives. As the controversy unfolds, citizens and legal experts await further clarity on the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of these cases and the implications for the political figures involved.