Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Maharashtra Court Criticizes Rule of Law
The Bombay High Court is upset because the son of a minister, Vikas Gogawale, has not been arrested despite being involved in a violent clash during elections.
The court said this shows that the rule of law in Maharashtra is not being followed properly.
The government promised that the minister's son would surrender by Friday morning.
The clash happened on December 2, 2025, between supporters of the Shiv Sena and the NCP in the Mahad Municipal Council.
The court is also upset because the minister's son is influential and the government seems helpless in arresting him.
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for not arresting Vikas Gogawale, son of Shiv Sena Minister Bharat Gogawale, who is named in cross-FIRs over a violent clash during the Mahad Municipal Council elections.
The court questioned the rule of law in Maharashtra, stating that the position on record shows it is adversely affected.
The government assured the court that Vikas Gogawale would surrender by Friday morning.
The clash erupted on December 2, 2025, despite prohibitory orders, between supporters of Shiv Sena and NCP.
The court highlighted the influence of the accused and the seriousness of the offenses, suggesting that the rule of law is not being upheld.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, Maharashtra Government, Shiv Sena Minister Bharat Gogawale, Vikas Gogawale
- What
- Criticism of the rule of law and the non-arrest of Vikas Gogawale
- When
- December 2, 2025 (incident), January 26 (Republic Day), Thursday (court hearing)
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Maharashtra
- Why
- Due to the violent clash between Shiv Sena and NCP supporters during the Mahad Municipal Council elections and the subsequent failure to arrest Vikas Gogawale
Government and Shiv Sena
Bombay High Court
Arrest of Vikas Gogawale
Government and Shiv Sena
The government and Shiv Sena argue that the investigation is ongoing and the minister's son will surrender by Friday morning.
Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court criticizes the government for not arresting Vikas Gogawale, questioning the rule of law in Maharashtra.
Political Influence
Government and Shiv Sena
The government claims that the probe is being carried out by several teams and warrants have been issued.
Bombay High Court
The court highlights the influence of the accused and the seriousness of the offenses, suggesting that the rule of law is adversely affected.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Minister
- Bharat Gogawale
- Accused
- Vikas Gogawale, Mahesh Gogawale
- Incident Date
- December 2, 2025
- Location
- Mahad Municipal Council, Raigad district
- Government Response
- Assured surrender by Friday morning
Sources
Shiv Sena minister Gogawale to unfurl tricolour on Republic Day in Raigad instead of NCP colleague
Is Maharashtra CM so helpless, does rule of law exist, asks HC
‘Is Maharashtra CM so helpless,’ After HC raps govt on “rule of law”, state assures minister’s son surrender in Mahad poll clash FIRs