The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday approved the process to withdraw criminal cases against surrendered Maoists. Over 2,300 Maoists, including leaders, have surrendered in the past two years, police said. The decision is “in-principle” and covers all eligible cases, including those of surrendered Maoists working in government security units. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said a Cabinet sub-committee will review cases and submit recommendations. This follows the Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief Rehabilitation Policy-2025, which allows case disposal based on good conduct and efforts to end Naxalism. A district-level committee will oversee case withdrawals. The police will send proposals to the Law Department and the Cabinet sub-committee. Final approval rests with the Council of Ministers. Cases involving Central laws will seek Union government permission; others will go through District Magistrates. Congress criticized this move. Spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla called the decision unfortunate and asked if cases related to violent incidents like Tadmetla and Jheeram Valley would also be withdrawn. He also alleged wrongful detention of tribals as Maoists without chargesheets. Separately, Chhattisgarh approved the draft of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025. It aims to decriminalise minor offences by replacing prison terms with fines. This second version will simplify 116 provisions across 14 Acts from 11 departments. Chhattisgarh is the first state in India to introduce this updated Bill.