Chhattisgarh clears policy for withdrawal of cases against surrendered Maoists

Cabinet approved procedure for scrutiny, withdrawal of cases against surrendered Maoists under the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy 2025

Published on: Dec 10, 2025, 13:30:57 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Wednesday approved key policy decisions, including a structured mechanism for the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against surrendered Maoists, officials said.

According to government officials, a Cabinet sub-committee will be constituted to examine the cases proposed for withdrawal and place them before the full Cabinet for final approval. (Representative photo)

The Cabinet approved the procedure for scrutiny and withdrawal of cases against surrendered Maoists under the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy 2025.

The policy allows consideration of case withdrawal based on the good conduct of surrendered cadres and their contribution to anti-Maoist efforts.

According to government officials, a Cabinet sub-committee will be constituted to examine the cases proposed for withdrawal and place them before the full Cabinet for final approval.

“A district-level committee will review each case and submit a report to the Police Headquarters, which will forward proposals — with legal opinion — to the government. Cases involving central laws will require the Union government’s approval, while others will be sent to the courts through district magistrates for formal withdrawal,” a statement issued by the government said.

The Cabinet also cleared the draft of the Chhattisgarh Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) (Second) Bill, 2025, aimed at simplifying 116 provisions across 14 Acts of 11 departments.

The Jan Vishwas Act 2023 was India’s first consolidated effort to decriminalise minor offences across multiple laws. The new bill builds on the 2023 Act to further India’s transition from a punitive regulatory framework to one focused on ease of doing business and ease of living.

Officials said the initiative seeks to reduce criminalisation of minor violations, introduce administrative penalties for small offences, and ensure quicker disposal of cases.

With the new Bill, Chhattisgarh becomes the first state in the country to introduce a second version of the Jan Vishwas legislation. The changes are expected to ease compliance for citizens and businesses and reduce the burden on courts, the government said.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill, 2025, for presentation of the first supplementary estimates of the 2025–26 fiscal in the state Assembly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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