Bombay HC Stays Investigation Into Vidhan Bhavan Brawl, NCP Leader Claims Case Politically Driven

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday stayed the investigation into a case arising from a scuffle inside the Maharashtra Assembly premises involving supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, including former state cabinet minister Jitendra Awhad.

### Interim Protection Granted to NCP Member

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, on October 1, restrained the Investigating Officer from proceeding further with the probe into the July 18 FIR registered at Marine Drive police station. This interim protection will continue until the petition is decided.

### Petition Filed Against Alleged Political Targeting

The court was hearing a plea filed by Nitin Hindurao Deshmukh, a member of the Pawar faction of the NCP. Deshmukh had been arrested in connection with the case but was granted bail by a magistrate on July 21.

His advocate, Rahul Arote, argued that the case was “baseless and politically motivated” and sought the quashing of the FIR. The plea alleged that the FIR was lodged with mala fide intent, asserting that the only claim against Deshmukh was that he had engaged in a quarrel and allegedly manhandled policemen who tried to intervene.

### Legal Arguments on Applicability of Charges

The petition emphasized that there was no allegation of assault or obstruction that could attract Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalizes assault on public servants. It also questioned the applicability of charges relating to unlawful assembly, affray, and use of criminal force, citing the absence of evidence indicating a common object or violent clash.

“At most, there was commotion and verbal altercation during the protest,” the plea stated.

### Entry with Valid Pass Highlighted

Deshmukh’s legal team further highlighted that he had entered the high-security Vidhan Bhavan with a valid entry pass, undermining any claims of unlawful intent.

The Bombay High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on November 12.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-stays-investigation-into-vidhan-bhavan-brawl-ncp-leader-claims-case-politically-driven

Bombay HC Seeks Maharashtra Police Response In YouTuber-Journalist Sneha Barve Assault Case

**Bombay High Court Seeks Response from Maharashtra Police in Assault Case of YouTuber-Journalist**

*Mumbai:* The Bombay High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Maharashtra police while hearing a petition filed by a YouTuber-journalist who was allegedly assaulted in July this year and has since been receiving threats.

The court noted the rising incidents of harassment against journalists in recent times. A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad remarked, “This is happening. We have this understanding that they are doing it with the journalists. Whoever reports something against them, they try to harass.”

**Details of Assault and Petition**

The petition was filed by Sneha Barve, who alleged that she was assaulted with an iron rod on July 4, 2025, while reporting on an alleged illegal construction in Pune. She had initially sought police protection but, after not receiving any response, approached the High Court.

During the hearing on Tuesday, the court asked Barve’s counsel, Mihir Desai, whether she was willing to pay for police protection. On Wednesday, Desai informed the bench that she was ready to bear the charges as per the state government’s policy.

He further explained that Barve sustained serious injuries in the July attack and has been receiving threats since. Despite writing three letters to the Superintendent of Police seeking protection, no decision has been taken, Desai added.

**Evidence and Court Observations**

When questioned by the court, Desai emphasized that there is video evidence showing Barve being assaulted with an iron rod during her investigation of the illegal construction site.

However, the court observed that the petition was not drafted properly and lacked submitted evidence. It noted that affidavits from witnesses to the threats should have been attached to the petition.

The court has asked the state to file its response to the petition and adjourned the hearing to September 29.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-seeks-maharashtra-police-response-in-youtuber-journalist-sneha-barve-assault-case

Bombay HC Slams Thane Municipal Corporation For Illegal Construction On Govt Land, Orders Demolition

**Bombay High Court Orders Demolition of Illegal Buildings in Thane, Slams TMC for Inaction**

*Mumbai:* The Bombay High Court has come down heavily on the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for shielding illegal constructions allegedly built with the blessings of a former municipal corporator. In a strong ruling on September 22, a bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe ordered the demolition of three multistorey buildings along with an unauthorized bar and restaurant established on government land designated for cattle grazing.

The court expressed shock at the civic body’s persistent inaction. “This is another case which would shock the conscience of the Court inasmuch as on the land in question,” the bench remarked. It further noted that the three buildings were constructed without any permission from the Thane Municipal Corporation. The constructions appeared to have the approval of the then Municipal Corporator, as alleged in the petition.

### About The Plea

The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Niraj Kabadi, who alleged that three buildings—Wings A, B, and C—were erected on plots at Mauje Majiwada, Thane, without obtaining the necessary conversion permissions from the state government.

Additionally, former corporator Bhushan Bhoir and others had started “Mogambo Bar and Family Restaurant” (later renamed Madhushala Bar) in their wives’ names without the required approvals. These facilities have been reportedly used for parties and events.

### Court Observations on TMC’s Inaction

Despite a coordinate bench granting police protection for demolition back in January 2025, the TMC failed to take any action against the illegal constructions. The court observed, “It appears that the Municipal Corporation had adopted an approach to subsist such illegality and was not very keen to implement the law of the land,” questioning the delay in enforcing court orders.

The judges also referred to earlier proceedings involving a plea by Subhadra Takle, which led to the demolition of 17 similar unauthorized structures in Thane after court mandates—a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.

### Defense and Court’s Response

Senior advocate Ram Apte, representing the TMC, argued that demolition attempts were hindered due to protests and attempts to gather public crowds at the site. However, the court refused to accept this excuse. It stressed, “If the real intention of the Municipal Corporation was to undertake demolition, then the first step would have been disconnection of electricity and water supply.”

### Court Directives

Accepting an undertaking from advocate Apte, the court directed the TMC to:

– Issue notices to the occupants within one week
– Disconnect electricity and water supply within 15 days
– Proceed with demolition thereafter, with police protection if necessary

The court clarified that the concession of allowing notice before demolition was granted only considering the ongoing festive season. It emphasized that the occupants had long been aware that they were residing in unauthorized premises.

### Conclusion

The bench ordered the demolition of the “rank illegal and unauthorized” buildings and stressed that the TMC must demonstrate a “real intention” this time to dismantle illegal structures and uphold the law.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-slams-thane-municipal-corporation-for-illegal-construction-on-govt-land-orders-demolition