Nashik: Nashik District Court on Thursday sentenced Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, leader from the Ajit Pawar faction of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and his brother, Sunil Kokate, to two years in prison in a case of forgery and fraud in 1995.
The case was brought against Manikrao Kokate by former minister Tukaram Dighole, who accused him of forging documents and committing fraud. Based on the allegations, a case was registered under sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 471 (using forged documents), and 47 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Legal implications for Kokate
After a detailed hearing, the court pronounced its verdict, sentencing both Manikrao Kokate and his brother to two years of imprisonment. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the two accused.
Sinnar MLA and Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate rose to prominence after defeating Sharad Pawar group candidate Uday Sangle in Maharashtra assembly elections held in 2024.
Manikrao Kokate’s victory in Sinnar was a significant win for Ajit Pawar faction of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). During the campaign, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had assured voters in a public meeting that if they elected Kokate, he would ensure Kokate’s inclusion in the cabinet. True to his word, Ajit Pawar kept his promise, and Kokate was appointed Agriculture Minister.
Following the court’s verdict, Kokate is reportedly planning to challenge the decision in the High Court. Legal experts suggest that filing an appeal may temporarily protect him from immediate disqualification. However, questions are being raised about whether the court’s decision will force him to step down from his ministerial post.
According to political experts, Kokate’s status as an MLA may now be under threat. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any MLA or MP sentenced to two years or more of imprisonment is at risk of disqualification.
Background of case
The incident involved Kokate and his brother applying for government-provided flats in the mid-1990s. At the time, they declared a low income and claimed to own no other property, which qualified them for the housing scheme. Based on these claims, the government allotted a flat to Manikrao Kokate.
However, an investigation by the then additional district collector uncovered discrepancies in their declarations, leading to the registration of a case at the Sarkarwada police station in Nashik.
