Manikrao Kokate (File photo) NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday granted partial relief to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Manikrao Kokate, staying his conviction in a cheating and fraud case only to the extent that it will not lead to his disqualification from the Maharashtra legislative assembly.Also Read: Ex-mininster Manikrao Kokate helps NCP win in Sinnar and NandurbarThe relief was granted by a Supreme Court vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The bench issued notice to the Maharashtra government on Kokate’s plea challenging his conviction and sentence awarded by a trial court in February.“Issue notice. Meanwhile, the conviction of the petitioner shall remain stayed only to the extent that it does not result in his disqualification as an MLA,” the bench said, as quoted by news agency ANI.Kokate approached the top court after the Bombay high court suspended his two-year jail sentence but refused to stay his conviction. He petitioned the high court after a Nashik sessions court upheld the trial court’s February judgment convicting him and his brother in a fraud case dating back to 1995.The trial court found Kokate and his brother, Vijay, guilty of misusing a government housing scheme meant for economically weaker sections. The scheme, which operated between 1989 and 1992, was applicable only to those earning up to Rs 30,000 a year. The brothers were accused of submitting false affidavits to understate their income and were illegally allotted two government flats.He was relieved of all his portfolios—sports and youth welfare, and minority development, and auqaf—in the Maharashtra government following the sessions court’s order. The portfolios were later assigned to Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Are One When It Comes To India’: SP Leader Sumaiya Rana Refuses Interview To Pakistani ChannelZero Tariff Access For Indian Exports As Modi Govt Seals Landmark Free Trade Deal With New Zealand’Cant’ Shame A State With No Shame’: Indian Student Shuts Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack, Op SindoorUS VP JD Vance Justifies H-1B Restrictions As Moral Duty As Indian Workers Face Visa Uncertainty‘We Felt It’: Asim Munir Claims Pakistan Received ‘Divine Intervention’ After India’s Op SindoorHindu Soldier Threatened With Deportation For Tilak During US Army Training Before Justice PrevailedPutin Says India Ready To Boost Work On EAEU Trade Agreement, Hails Indian EconomySheikh Hasina Slams Yunus Over Violence In Bangladesh, Calls Out ‘Hostile Statements Against India’BJP-Led Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Local Body Polls; PM Modi, CM Fadnavis Hail Victory’Murder Of Humanity’: Dr Ahmed Ilyasi, Maulana Madani Condemn Lynching Of Hindu Man In Bangladesh123PhotostoriesDelhi Metro Museum opens to public, plus 6 rail museums every travel buff should visitFrom Microwave oven to Bubble wrap: 7 everyday items that were invented for entirely different reasonsKids quitting New Year’s resolutions midway? 5 ways you can help them stick to their goalsSecret Santa 2025: 10 fun and affordable gifts that will make your colleague smileIf Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ left you craving more high-stakes espionage, here are 5 raw, intense and high-octane Bollywood spy thrillers to watch on OTT platformsNewlywed Samantha Ruth Prabhu turns a silk saree into a style momentBaby girl names with deep spiritual meaning5 Sanskrit mantras that kids should recite every day10 inexpensive ways to add more fibre to your daily diet and reduce gas and bloating naturallyHealth benefits of makhana: Evidence-based nutrition from lotus seeds123Hot PicksUAE WeatherEpstein files releasedGold price predictionGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesLebron JamesLos Angeles DodgersPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthWho is chris oladokunA JA WilsonCharles Barkley
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday granted partial relief to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Manikrao Kokate, staying his conviction in a cheating and fraud case only to the extent that it will not lead to his disqualification from the Maharashtra legislative assembly.Also Read: Ex-mininster Manikrao Kokate helps NCP win in Sinnar and NandurbarThe relief was granted by a Supreme Court vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The bench issued notice to the Maharashtra government on Kokate’s plea challenging his conviction and sentence awarded by a trial court in February.“Issue notice. Meanwhile, the conviction of the petitioner shall remain stayed only to the extent that it does not result in his disqualification as an MLA,” the bench said, as quoted by news agency ANI.Kokate approached the top court after the Bombay high court suspended his two-year jail sentence but refused to stay his conviction. He petitioned the high court after a Nashik sessions court upheld the trial court’s February judgment convicting him and his brother in a fraud case dating back to 1995.The trial court found Kokate and his brother, Vijay, guilty of misusing a government housing scheme meant for economically weaker sections. The scheme, which operated between 1989 and 1992, was applicable only to those earning up to Rs 30,000 a year. The brothers were accused of submitting false affidavits to understate their income and were illegally allotted two government flats.He was relieved of all his portfolios—sports and youth welfare, and minority development, and auqaf—in the Maharashtra government following the sessions court’s order. The portfolios were later assigned to Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar.
