MUMBAI, Sept. 30 -- The Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court that it has decided to withdraw two criminal cases against 10 persons, including four legislators, on the ground that the incidents did not involve loss of life or damage to property. The move coincides with a cabinet sub-committee recommending withdrawal of several agitation-related cases filed against political leaders, activists and citizens. One case involved a 2020 protest at the Reserve Bank of India's Nagpur office led by former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and MLA Vikas Thakre. The second, also from 2020, was against MLA Sameer Meghe for allegedly flouting Covid-19 restrictions during a public gathering. Chargesheets in both matters had already been filed before Nagpur magistrates. "These cases must now be withdrawn by moving the jurisdictional courts," observed a division bench of justices Shree Chandrashekhar and N J Jamadar, which is hearing a suo motu petition to monitor criminal trials against lawmakers. Additional public prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh said the state is compiling a list of prosecutions to be dropped against MPs and MLAs. Parallelly, a cabinet sub-committee headed by Mumbai guardian minister Ashish Shelar has recommended withdrawal of cases filed during political and social agitations. Out of 201 applications received, the panel has advised relief for 77 applicants, while rejecting cases relating to serious offences, crimes against women, and personal or civil disputes. Shelar said in six cases involving sitting and former MLAs and MPs, the final decision rests with the Bombay high court in line with Supreme Court directions. "The government has a responsibility to provide relief to activists, party workers and citizens booked unnecessarily during social movements and agitations," Shelar said. He added that cases arising from events such as Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dahi Handi celebrations, Covid-era gatherings, and labour protests will remain open for review, with fresh applications invited from organisations and individuals....