C’garh: ‘Withdrawal Of Criminal Cases Of Surrendered Naxals, Subject To Due Legal Process’

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has said that surrender of Naxals does not automatically result in the withdrawal or closure of criminal cases.

“Any withdrawal from prosecution has to be undertaken in accordance with the applicable law and remains subject to the approval of the competent court”, a press release issued by the Chhattisgarh government on Saturday, clarified.

According to the press release, the Chhattisgarh government has put in place a structured mechanism for the rehabilitation of individuals who renounce Naxalism and return to the mainstream, including a provision for reviewing criminal cases registered against them.

The Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/ Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy, 2025 provides for consideration of such cases based on factors including good conduct, complete disengagement from Naxal activities, and genuine rehabilitation in the society, the press release said.

“However, surrender does not automatically result in a withdrawal or closure of a criminal case. The policy does not provide for automatic acquittal or termination of criminal proceedings. Any withdrawal from prosecution has to be undertaken in accordance with the applicable law and remains subject to the approval of the competent court”, the release said.

Under the mechanism, a district-level committee will examine cases registered against the individual, including the nature and gravity of the offences and conduct following surrender.

Its recommendations may subsequently be examined by the Police Headquarters and the home department before being placed before the cabinet sub-committee.

The state cabinet approved the mechanism involving district-level committees and a cabinet sub-committee in December last year.