Supreme Court Provides Relief to NCP Leader Manikrao Kokate in Fraud Case

Supreme Court's Intervention in Fraud Case

The Supreme Court has granted significant relief to Manikrao Kokate, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in a fraud and forgery case. The apex court has put a stay on his sentence related to this case, which also includes a suspension of his disqualification from the Maharashtra Assembly.

The court reviewed an appeal challenging a previous order from the Bombay High Court regarding Kokate's conviction in a 1995 fraud case. The Supreme Court denied the request to stay the conviction, which had been related to the misuse of a housing scheme reserved for the economically weaker sections (EWS).

Additionally, the bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, issued a notice to the Maharashtra government regarding Kokate's petition. The court stated that while the stay on his conviction remains, he will not be eligible for any benefits associated with his position as an assembly member.

Background of the Case

Kokate and his brother, Vijay Kokate, were found guilty in 1995 for allegedly exploiting the housing scheme meant for the economically disadvantaged. This case involved the improper benefit from a 10% quota, leading to charges of fraud and forgery against both brothers.

On Tuesday, a court in Nashik upheld the two-year prison sentence for Kokate, confirming his conviction in this long-standing case.