Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against NCP Leader Eknath Khadse and Wife
A special court in Mumbai has taken a stern stance by issuing a non-bailable warrant against prominent NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse and his wife, Mandakini Khadse. This decisive legal action follows their failure to appear before the court on Friday, February 6, 2026, for a crucial hearing related to separate corruption cases. The cases, filed by the state Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), revolve around alleged irregularities in a contentious 2016 Pune land deal.
Vague Exemption Plea Leads to Warrant
The court's decision came after it rejected an exemption application submitted on behalf of the Khadse couple. Special Judge Mahesh K Jadhav, presiding over the designated court for trials involving MPs and MLAs, criticized the application as "vague" and lacking specific details about the personal difficulties preventing their attendance. The judge emphasized that the reason provided was unsupported by any documentary evidence, undermining its credibility.
In his ruling, Judge Jadhav highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that the case was scheduled for the framing of charges—a critical step in legal proceedings. He referenced Supreme Court guidelines that mandate expeditious handling of cases involving MPs and MLAs, stating, "The accused has all the knowledge that today’s case is fixed for framing of charge. As per the ratio laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the charge MP/MLA cases should be framed expeditiously. But the accused, without any reason, remains absent. Hence, application is rejected."
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
The court clarified that there were no orders staying the framing of charges, paving the way for the issuance of the non-bailable warrant. However, it specified that the warrant would be canceled upon the couple's appearance before the court. The next hearing has been rescheduled for February 13, 2026, allowing for their potential compliance.
This development is part of an ongoing legal saga dating back to December, when the court rejected the discharge pleas of Eknath Khadse, his wife Mandakini, and his son-in-law Girish Chaudhari. At the time of the alleged offense, Khadse served as the revenue minister with the BJP. The court observed that "prima facie, a case of criminal misconduct, a scheduled offence, is made out," based on evidence suggesting that Mandakini and Chaudhari "acquired the property by legally unapproved means, relatable to a scheduled offence."
The core of the complaint alleges that Khadse misused his ministerial power to facilitate the purchase of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC)-owned land in Bhosari, Pune. According to the allegations, Mandakini and Chaudhari acquired the property for Rs. 3.75 crore, significantly below the market price of Rs. 40 crore, raising serious questions about corruption and abuse of authority.
Broader Implications and Context
This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to expediting trials for public officials, as emphasized by Supreme Court directives. The issuance of a non-bailable warrant against a high-profile political figure like Eknath Khadse sends a strong message about accountability and the rule of law, particularly in corruption cases involving land deals—a sensitive issue in Indian politics and governance.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the February 13 hearing to see if the Khadse couple complies with the court's orders. The outcome could have significant ramifications for political dynamics and anti-corruption efforts in Maharashtra, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating graft at high levels of government.
