Two Indian states have taken sharply different approaches to student protests, with Kerala filing cases against nearly 5,000 people while Maharashtra orders the withdrawal of all FIRs against demonstrators. In Kerala, police have booked cases across the state against individuals who participated in protests supporting agitating students at Jantar Mantar. The cases have been registered against nearly 5,000 people, according to reports. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's Chief Minister has directed the withdrawal of cases against students who protested during recent demonstrations linked to the NEET stir. The protests also involved supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party. Opposition parties had urged the government to withdraw the pending legal actions, warning that the cases could jeopardize students' futures and career prospects. The Home Department in Maharashtra is expected to issue the necessary orders for the withdrawal of cases soon. The contrasting responses highlight the divergent handling of student-led protests across Indian states.