Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court, seeking an urgent stay on a trial court’s order that convicted him and sentenced him to two years of imprisonment in a cheating and forgery case. The conviction poses a serious threat to his political career, as it directly impacts his eligibility to continue as an elected representative.
Kokate, who is 67 years old, has specifically requested that both his conviction and sentence be stayed so that he can retain his position as a legislator. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any elected representative who is sentenced to two years or more in a criminal case faces immediate disqualification, making the outcome of his plea crucial for his continuation in public office.
Appearing on behalf of Kokate, advocate Aniket Nikam mentioned the matter before Justice RN Laddha and sought an urgent hearing, arguing that the conviction could lead to Kokate’s disqualification if immediate relief was not granted. Considering the urgency of the situation, the bench agreed to list the plea for a hearing on December 22.
Nikam further pressed for an even earlier hearing on December 19, citing the upcoming winter vacation of the court and the need for swift judicial intervention. He submitted that the matter involved only a limited issue, namely the request for a temporary stay on the conviction and sentence, and would not require extensive arguments.
The request for an earlier hearing was opposed by advocate Anukul Seth, who represented intervenor Sharad Shinde Patil, a social worker from Nashik. Seth argued that Kokate should surrender his bail bond and criticised his conduct, alleging that instead of following proper legal procedures, Kokate had admitted himself to Lilavati Hospital.
Responding to the objections, Nikam reiterated that the legal issue was narrow in scope and could be addressed in a brief hearing lasting no more than ten minutes. Acknowledging this, the bench observed that the issue appeared limited and agreed to take up Kokate’s plea on December 19.
Meanwhile, Kokate reportedly met senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar earlier in the day before being admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. His hospitalisation has drawn attention amid the ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Dr. Jaleel Parkar of Lilavati Hospital, Kokate is currently being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and accelerated hypertension. The doctor said Kokate had undergone angioplasty 11 years ago and is now under the care of cardiologist Dr. Suresh G. Vijan as a precautionary measure.
The conviction stems from a judgment delivered by the Nashik District and Sessions Court on Tuesday, which sentenced Kokate and his brother to two years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 each. The court held them guilty of fraudulently obtaining flats under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme.
Kokate, who represents the Sinnar constituency as an MLA and has had a long political career, is currently serving as a minister without portfolio. The outcome of his plea before the High Court will determine whether he can continue in his political role or face disqualification under election laws.
