SC stays Kokate’s conviction, but bars him from holding office of profit

SC Stays Kokate's Conviction, but Bars Him from Holding Office of Profit

In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has stayed the conviction of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate in a cheating and forgery case, preventing his disqualification as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) but barring him from holding any office of profit until further hearing. The order, issued on December 22, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power in Maharashtra, where Kokate's retention of the MLA seat has significant implications for the state's politics and the ruling coalition.

The case against Kokate dates back to 1995, when he allegedly used forged documents and false affidavits to secure government flats under Maharashtra's Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing scheme, reserved for low-income groups. The trial proceeded slowly, culminating in a conviction by a Nashik magistrate court in February 2025 for cheating and forgery under relevant IPC sections, with a two-year rigorous imprisonment. The Nashik sessions court upheld the conviction on December 16, 2025.

However, in a twist that has left many bewildered, the Bombay High Court on December 19, 2025, suspended the jail term, granted bail on Rs 1 lakh surety, and stayed Kokate's arrest but refused to stay the conviction, citing prima facie evidence of involvement. Kokate appealed to the Supreme Court, which issued notice to the Maharashtra government and stayed the conviction only to the extent it prevents MLA disqualification during a hearing by a special vacation bench.

The Supreme Court's order has been described as "extremely significant" for Kokate's career, securing his MLA status and rejecting immediate membership cancellation claims. However, it also explicitly prohibits him from holding any office of profit, a significant blow to his aspirations for a cabinet role. The court's partial relief has been met with a mix of reactions, with some viewing it as a judicial safeguard against electoral vacuums while others see it as a watering down of accountability.

The implications of the order are far-reaching, both for Kokate and for the state's politics. While Kokate retains his MLA seat, he cannot take up ministerial or profit-linked posts, such as a cabinet role, until the Supreme Court finalizes the case. This development has temporarily stabilized the NCP's assembly strength, but the notice to the state may prolong scrutiny and potentially trigger by-elections if disqualification looms.

Moreover, the case highlights the vulnerabilities in EWS allotments to misuse by ineligible individuals, including politicians, potentially eroding trust in the housing schemes. The judicial balance in staying convictions without full acquittal is also noteworthy, underscoring the delicate balance between accountability and electoral stability.

In a broader context, the case is part of a pattern of politicians facing housing fraud probes in state schemes, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and accountability mechanisms. As the Supreme Court continues to hear the case, one thing is clear: the fate of Manikrao Kokate and the future of Maharashtra's politics hangs in the balance.

Note: This article is based on verified facts gathered from multiple sources, including [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5].