Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Kokate's Conviction Sparks Cabinet Replacement Talks
A court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has decided that Manikrao Kokate, who is a minister and leader in the NCP party, must go to jail for two years.
This is because he and his brother were found guilty of cheating and forgery in a case from 1995.
They had submitted fake documents to get flats that were meant for people who needed government help.
The court first said they were guilty on February 20, but then another court said they didn't have to go to jail right away on March 5.
Now, the first court's decision has been confirmed on December 16.
This decision might mean Kokate can't be a minister or a lawmaker anymore.
The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has asked his deputy, Ajit Pawar, to find a replacement for Kokate in the cabinet.
The NCP president, Sunil Tatkare, will meet Pawar to discuss this issue.
A court in Nashik upheld a two-year jail term for Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate in a 1995 cheating and forgery case.
Kokate and his brother were convicted for submitting fake documents to obtain government quota flats.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to find a replacement for Kokate in the cabinet.
State NCP president Sunil Tatkare will meet Pawar to discuss the issue arising from Kokate's conviction.
Kokate moved the Bombay High Court challenging his conviction and two-year jail term.
- Who
- Manikrao Kokate and his brother Sunil Kokate
- What
- Conviction for cheating and forgery in a 1995 case, potential cabinet replacement
- When
- February 20 (conviction), March 5 (stay order), December 16 (upholding), Wednesday (replacement talks)
- Where
- Nashik, Maharashtra
- Why
- Submitting fake documents to get flats under a government quota
- Person Involved
- Manikrao Kokate
- Role
- Maharashtra Sports Minister and NCP leader
- Case Year
- 1995
- Conviction Date
- February 20
- Sentence
- Two-year imprisonment
- Stay Order Date
- March 5
- Location
- Nashik, Maharashtra
- Crime
- Cheating and forgery
- Fine
- Rs 50,000
- Co-accused
- Sunil Kokate (brother)
- Chief Minister
- Devendra Fadnavis
- Deputy Chief Minister
- Ajit Pawar
- NCP President
- Sunil Tatkare
Sources
Court upholds Maharashtra minister Kokate’s 2-year jail term in 1995 cheating, forgery case
Nashik Court Upholds 2 Years Jail Term Of Maharashtra Minister
Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate’s MLA status at risk after court upholds 2-year sentence in 1995 fraud case
Varsha Gaikwad demands dismissal of convicted minister Manikrao Kokate
Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate moves HC against conviction; hearing on Dec 19
Nashik court issues arrest warrant against Maharashtra minister Kokate in cheating, forgery case
1995 fraud case: Day after conviction, minister Manikrao Kokate moves HC against 2-year sentence
Fadnavis speaks to Ajit Pawar on Kokate replacement
Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate stripped of portfolios, decision on resignation tonight
Arrest Warrant Issued Against Maharashtra Sports Minister
Maharashtra's 'Rummy' Minister Resigns Hours After Conviction In 1995 Case
After court sentence, Maharashtra minister Kokate stripped off portfolios
