The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Arun Gawli marks a significant moment in a long-running case that has spanned nearly two decades. Gawli, once known as a dreaded underworld figure before turning to politics, has spent a substantial portion of his later life behind bars. His incarceration followed his conviction for orchestrating the murder of Shiv Sena councillor Kamlakar Jamsandekar, a crime that shook Mumbai’s political and criminal landscape at the time.
The murder took place in 2007, and Gawli was arrested soon after in connection with the case. His trial concluded in 2012 when a sessions court in Mumbai found him guilty and imposed a life sentence. Alongside the imprisonment, the court levied a fine of ₹17 lakh, underscoring the gravity of the crime. The judgment was later challenged, but the Bombay High Court reaffirmed the conviction in 2019, closing the door on Gawli’s immediate hopes of release.
Following the High Court’s ruling, Gawli escalated his appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking relief from the life sentence. Over the years, the case has drawn attention not only because of his past as a gangster but also because of his political career. Between 2004 and 2009, Gawli served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Mumbai’s Chinchpokli constituency, a role that cemented his transformation from an underworld figure to a mainstream political actor.
When the matter came before the Supreme Court, the judges took into account both his age and the length of his imprisonment. At 76 years old and having served more than 17 years behind bars, the court considered these as compelling grounds for granting bail while his final appeal remains pending. The decision highlights the judiciary’s willingness to weigh humanitarian factors, particularly for elderly convicts who have already endured long periods of incarceration.
The bench, led by Justices M M Sundaresh and N Kotiswar Singh, ordered his release but clarified that his appeal against the Bombay High Court’s verdict will only be heard in February 2026. This sets the stage for a final judicial review of the case, which will determine whether his conviction and life sentence stand or whether he is granted further relief. Until then, Gawli will remain out on bail, marking a temporary respite after years of imprisonment.
The development has once again brought Arun Gawli’s name back into public discourse. For many, he remains a controversial figure—a man who once commanded fear in Mumbai’s underworld, later entered the political mainstream, and is now navigating the complexities of India’s legal system in his twilight years. The Supreme Court’s order ensures that the last chapter of this high-profile case is yet to be written.
