The Bombay High Court questioned whether the rule of law truly exists in Maharashtra, strongly criticising the failure to arrest a minister’s son in a criminal case. The court asked if the Chief Minister is “so helpless” that even ministers’ children continue to evade the police without consequences.
The Bombay High Court made strong remarks while hearing a pre-arrest bail plea filed by Vikas Gogawale, the son of Bharat Gogawale, a minister from the Shiv Sena. The case relates to a violent clash that took place during the Mahad Municipal Council elections in Raigad district.
During the hearing, Justice Madhav Jamdar expressed serious concern over the conduct of politically influential families and the apparent failure of the police to act decisively. Making sharp observations from the Bench, the judge said,
“Ministers’ children commit crimes and roam freely”.
The court was dealing with Vikas Gogawale’s anticipatory bail application after a sessions court had already rejected his plea. Despite this, Vikas Gogawale has not yet been arrested and is reportedly absconding, which further aggravated the court.
Questioning the state machinery and political leadership, Justice Jamdar asked,
“Is the state’s chief minister so helpless that he does not say anything against even one minister? Ministers’ children commit crimes and roam freely and they stay in touch with their parents but the police cannot find them?”
The judge also openly questioned whether law and order and the rule of law are truly being maintained in the state.
The High Court made it clear that it would not hesitate to take strict action if the police continued to fail in arresting the accused. Warning the authorities, the court observed that it may be compelled to pass adverse orders if Vikas Gogawale was not apprehended soon.
Responding to the court’s concerns, Advocate General Milind Sathe informed the Bench that Minister Bharat Gogawale would personally speak to his son and ensure that he surrendered before the police. Accepting this assurance, the court directed,
“Ask him to surrender before the hearing tomorrow,”
the High Court said.
The judge also clarified that the judiciary would not be influenced by political considerations. Emphasising the independence of the court, Justice Jamdar remarked,
“There might be pressure on you (police), not on the court,”
underlining that any external pressure would not affect judicial functioning.
The case arises from violent clashes that broke out on December 2 during civic elections in Mahad, Raigad district.
Supporters of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party allegedly clashed, leading to injuries and damage. Both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are currently serving as Deputy Chief Ministers in the BJP-led Maharashtra government.
Following the incident, both groups filed complaints against each other, and cross-FIRs were registered by the police. In one of the FIRs, Vikas Gogawale, his cousin Mahesh Gogawale, and several of their supporters were named as accused. Another FIR named Shreeyansh Jagtap, the son of former MLA Manik Jagtap and a leader of the NCP.
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In subsequent proceedings, the High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Shreeyansh Jagtap. However, no such relief has been extended to Vikas Gogawale so far, with the court clearly expecting his immediate surrender.
The matter continues to be closely watched, as the High Court’s observations have once again brought the issue of political influence, police accountability, and equal application of law under public scrutiny.
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