Manikrao Kokate : Bail granted to Kokate by High Court; but MLA position in jeopardy
The Nashik District Sessions Court has issued an arrest warrant against former Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate in the case of misuse of 10 percent of government quota flats. Kokate had approached the High Court seeking a stay on the sentence against this verdict. A hearing was held today (19th) before Justice Laddha in the High Court. Subsequently, the court granted relief to Kokate by approving a bail of one lakh. Although Kokate will not face a two-year imprisonment, his legislative position is in jeopardy due to the lack of a stay on the sentence. Now, all eyes are on the decision of Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar.
Objection to the Session Court's Verdict
While arguing against the sentence pronounced by the session court, Kokate's lawyers stated that the Nashik session court delivered the verdict without understanding the definition of fraud. During the argument, Kokate's lawyer Kadam also referenced the case of Rahul Gandhi. The court clarified that Rahul Gandhi's case and this case are different. During the argument, Kokate's lawyer Ravindra Kadam also referenced the suspension of Afzal Ansari's 4-year sentence.
What happened in the court hearing?
A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Kokate during the hearing on the petition filed for a stay on the sentence. However, Kokate has not yet surrendered to the police. On the other hand, Kokate's lawyer, Ravindra Kadam, requested temporary relief until Monday or Tuesday. The court stated during the hearing that no interim order has been issued in this matter yet.
The government lawyers argued that Kokate had declared an income of 2500 rupees when applying for a house in 1989. They also informed the court that Kokate did not attend the hearings despite repeated notifications. Responding to this argument, Kokate's lawyer stated that their income had increased in 1993-94, indicating that financial situations change, as explained by Kadam. There is no provision in the law to return the house if someone's financial situation improves and income increases in the years following the acquisition of a house. Kokate's lawyer, Kadam, also argued that the date of acquiring the house and the subsequent situation are two different matters. At this time, the court instructed Kokate's lawyers to read what cross-examination PWD had conducted. While arguing against the sentence pronounced by the session court, Kokate's lawyers stated that the Nashik session court had delivered the verdict without understanding the definition of fraud.
Intervenor Petitioners' Argument
According to the intervenor petitioners' argument, Kokate and his brother had submitted fake documents. Also, by showing lower income, Kokate acquired the flats. Despite being aware of the law, they applied under the category for the poor. Additionally, Kokate was the chairman, and he was aware of what he was doing, argued the intervenor petitioners in court. Furthermore, Kokate's brother was a contractor and owned 25 acres of land. Therefore, the intervenor petitioners argued that both were not economically weak.
During the hearing, another lawyer of Manikrao Kokate, Aniket Nikam, read out the testimony of the police patil. The court objected to this, stating that the police patil had mentioned not having an estimate of Kokate's property. The court questioned, 'Do you really not have any land?' In response, Aniket Nikam argued that Kokate had stated that farming and law were his sources of income.
Nashik Police's Sit-in at Lilavati Hospital
After the Nashik Sessions Court issued an arrest warrant, Nashik police have arrived at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai to arrest Kokate. Yesterday (18th), the police recorded the statement of the doctor treating Kokate. They were at the hospital until around 1 AM. Meanwhile, it has come to light that Manikrao Kokate will undergo angiography today.
Ajit Pawar accepted the resignation
After an arrest warrant was issued against Kokate, Ajit Pawar (Ajit Pawar) announced on X that he had accepted Kokate's resignation yesterday (18th). Subsequently, Chief Minister Fadnavis submitted Kokate's resignation to Governor Devvrat. The Governor has also accepted Kokate's resignation.
Ajitdada takes charge of the sports department
Kokate, who was under the threat of arrest, resigned from his position yesterday (17th). Subsequently, the responsibility of the sports department held by him has been assigned to Ajit Pawar. (Manikrao Kokate) has resigned from his ministerial position, and the charge of the sports department held by him has been handed over to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.