Indian Railways on Saturday announced plans to double train capacity in Mumbai and other major cities over the next five years to meet growing passenger demand, an official statement said. According to the statement, Western Railway (WR) will focus on capacity enhancement in six cities under its jurisdiction including Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, and Indore. The expansion programme includes new terminals, additional platforms, maintenance facilities, pit lines, stabling lines, and improved signalling systems. Multitracking and better traffic management will also be introduced to increase efficiency. Mumbai to see major upgrades In the Mumbai region, WR currently handles 44 long-distance trains. The new infrastructure plans will enable around 65 additional long-distance trains, along with an augmentation of approximately 70 coaches daily. Significant projects include Mumbai Central-Borivali 6th Line (MUTP-II) - Phase I completed; Phase II expected by January 2026, providing dedicated lines for Bandra Terminus trains and better segregation of suburban and mainline traffic. Borivali-Virar 5th & 6th Line and Virar-Dahanu 3rd & 4th Line - Increasing line capacity to run more long-distance trains. Naigaon-Juichandra Double Chord Line - To enable direct connectivity to Konkan Railway without loco reversal at Vasai Road. New long-distance train terminuses are under construction at Jogeshwari (three platforms) and Vasai Road (two platforms), with additional platforms and maintenance facilities being enhanced at Mumbai Central, Dadar, and Bandra Terminus. Suburban services to expand Currently, Western Railway operates 1,406 suburban services daily through 116 rakes. The new infrastructure upgrades will release additional capacity, allowing an estimated 165 more suburban services. The extension of platforms to 15-car rakes on the Bandra-Andheri section and the harbour line extension from Goregaon to Borivali are also underway. Progressive implementation The capacity enhancement programme is being implemented in phases with short-term, medium-term, and long-term action plans. The goal is to double train handling capacity by 2030, but benefits will be realised progressively over the next five years. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "We’re expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade our railway network and improve nationwide connectivity."
27 December,2025 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGeeta and Yogita, the two daughters of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming BMC Elections 2026. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026. Geeta Gawli submitted her nomination from ward number 212 in Byculla. She had earlier served as a corporator from the same ward after winning the 2017 civic elections. Her sister Yogita Gawli-Waghmare, filed her nomination from ward number 207 in the Byculla-Mazgaon area, reported the PTI. Yogita makes poll debut Yogita Gawli-Waghmare, filed her nomination from ward number 207, marking her debut in electoral politics. Both candidates are contesting the civic polls on the ticket of the Akhil Bharatiya Sena. Arun Gawli, the founder of the party, was present when his daughters submitted their nomination papers. The Mumbai poll schedule Voting for the Mumbai civic polls will be held on 15 January, while counting of votes is scheduled for 16 January. 2,844 nomination papers distributed Earlier this week, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had stated that it has distributed a total of 2,844 nomination papers for the 2026 civic polls as on Wednesday. On the second day of distribution, two nomination papers were filed. The nomination process began on Tuesday across 23 returning officer (RO) offices when 4,165 nomination papers were distributed, but no papers were filed on the first day, officials said. According to the poll officials the nomination filing period runs from December 23 to December 30, 2025, between 11 am and 5 pm every day. Distribution will not take place on Thursday, December 25, due to the Christmas public holiday. The forms for BMC Elections 2026 will be distributed only until 4 pm on December 30, officials said. “The scrutiny of nomination papers received from candidates will be conducted on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 11 am onwards. After completion of the scrutiny process, the list of validly nominated candidates will be published immediately,” the BMC said. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will be held on 15 January, with counting scheduled for the following day, the Maharashtra State Election Commission had earlier said. (with PTI inputs)
27 December,2025 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the New Year 2026 celebrations, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has so far inspected 907 establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars and eateries under its ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’, issued notices to 16 establishments, and taken action against 41 others, officials said on Saturday. The inspections were carried out between December 22 and December 25, 2025. In a statement issued on Saturday, the BMC said, "Various programmes and celebrations are organised at different hotels, pubs, bars, residential complexes and buildings, and beaches in Mumbai to welcome the New Year. Large numbers of people gather for these events. Against this backdrop, and to ensure greater precautions regarding fire safety, a ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’ is being implemented from December 22, 2025, to December 28, 2025, as per the instructions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani." Additional Municipal Commissioner in charge of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Ashwini Joshi, said, "This campaign is being conducted by the Mumbai Fire Brigade. If establishments are found not to have complied with fire safety terms and conditions, action is being taken against them under the provisions of the ‘Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006’." Inspections conducted Under this initiative, a total of 907 establishments were inspected up to December 25, 2025, including 10 malls, 25 five-star hotels, 59 lodging and boarding establishments, 19 rooftop establishments, 148 pubs, bars and clubs, 12 party halls, five gymkhanas, and 628 restaurants. "Total inspections carried out from 22/12/2025 to 26/12/2025 are 1221 out of that 1146 are found complied, notices issued to 20 and action taken on 59. However, action also taken on four establishments who are found fire safety complied for storing one or two excess L.P.G. cylinders," said an official.
27 December,2025 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSA CCTV footage allegedly showing a leopard moving through the streets of Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra late at night has gone viral on social media. The clip has raised concern among local residents and prompted the Forest Department to take immediate action to verify the sighting. Following the circulation of the video, the Forest Department has initiated a search operation in the area. Officials are checking CCTV footage and conducting field inspections to confirm whether a leopard was indeed spotted within the town limits. Forest officials have urged residents not to panic and to avoid spreading unverified information, stating that confirmation is still awaited. A video allegedly showing a leopard roaming the streets of Dahanu late at night has gone viral, prompting the Forest Department to launch a search operation to verify the sighting. Meanwhile, wildlife NGO WCAWA is assisting the Dahanu forest division in spreading awareness about… pic.twitter.com/SoEapBhMtq — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 27, 2025 NGO assists in public awareness Meanwhile, wildlife NGO WCAWA is assisting the Dahanu forest division by creating awareness among residents. The organisation is educating people about safety measures to follow in case of a leopard sighting and explaining the proper reporting procedures. Residents have been advised to remain indoors at night, avoid isolated areas, keep outdoor lights switched on, and immediately inform forest officials if they notice any wild animal movement. Authorities urge caution The Forest Department has appealed to citizens to stay alert but calm, and to cooperate with officials during the search operation. Further updates will be shared once the investigation is completed.
27 December,2025 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA fire broke out in a residential chawl in Balkum, Thane West, on Friday morning, but was swiftly brought under control with no injuries reported, civic officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at 11:31 am by the Balkum Fire Station. The fire occurred in Room No. 09 of Chawl No. 04 at Bhoir Chawl, located near the Mahalaxmi Temple in Ambedkar Nagar, Balkum Pada No. 1. The affected room is situated on the first floor of a ground-plus-one-storey structure. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with one fire engine, assisted by officials from the Disaster Management Cell and staff of Mahavitaran (MSEDCL). The blaze was fully extinguished by 11:44 am, officials confirmed. The house was temporarily closed at the time of the incident. However, electrical wiring, a refrigerator, clothes, and other household items suffered damage in the fire. Authorities said the situation is under control, and further assessment is underway. Fire breaks out in Shop at Thane's Diva, no one injured A fire broke out at a shop at Diva area in Thane district of Maharashtra, civic officials said on Friday, adding that the shop was completely damaged in the incident. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident took place at Sai Shraddha Chawl, near Sujata Hotel in Dharmaveer Nagar, along the Diva-Agasan Road in Thane, on Thursday, the officials said. They said that the information about the incident was received at around 12.42 pm from the fire station. The fire occurred in Shop No. 01, located in Chawl No. 15. The shop, measuring approximately 10 x 20 feet. Emergency teams rush to spot Personnel from the Diva police, Torrent Power, and the fire brigade immediately rushed to the spot. The fire brigade deployed one fire engine and one rescue vehicle to control the blaze. Fire fully extinguished Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by around 1.04 pm. Officials confirmed that the fire was completely extinguished and the situation is now under control. No injuries were reported in the incident. A worker was present inside the shop when the fire broke out but managed to escape safely. Property damage The fire caused damage to items stored inside the shop, including mattresses, cotton, a mattress-making machine and other materials. Due to the intensity of the fire, cement roofing sheets cracked and collapsed, causing further damage to the structure. Officials said that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
27 December,2025 02:12 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday launched a crowdsourcing initiative to collect functional second-hand mobile phones and laptops to strengthen its campaign infrastructure ahead of the BMC elections 2026. The devices gathered through the campaign will be used at AAP’s BMC campaign war room for canvassing, coordination, voter outreach, and data management. The initiative comes as the party prepares for an extensive 2026 BMC elections battle in Mumbai, having already announced that it will field candidates in all 227 wards of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. ‘Aam Mumbaikars’ Addressing the launch of the initiative, AAP Mumbai President Preeti Sharma Menon said the campaign reflects the party’s commitment to people-powered politics and transparency. “Our opponents have all the money in the world, amassed over the years by looting the BMC’s coffers. We, on the other hand, are the Aam Aadmi Party, fielding ‘Aam Mumbaikars’—first-generation politicians from all walks of life who genuinely represent the people of this city,” Menon said. She emphasised that AAP’s political philosophy is centred on ethical governance and accountability. “AAP’s politics represents a new political culture of clean politics funded by clean money. This is what gives us the moral strength to take on corruption and consistently prioritise public interest while standing up for the causes of Mumbaikars,” she added. Menon further underlined the link between transparent funding and effective civic administration. “Without clean politics funded transparently by clean money, Mumbai and its citizens can never hope to receive good-quality and efficient services from the BMC. Honest and accountable governance is essential for improving public services and infrastructure,” she said. AAP’s appeal to citizens Appealing directly to citizens, Menon described Mumbai as a city known not only for its economic importance but also for its generosity. “Mumbai is India’s financial capital and also its kindness capital. The city has never disappointed us. We earnestly appeal to every Mumbaikar to support India’s fastest-growing and youngest national party,” she said. She urged residents to contribute either financially or by donating usable second-hand mobile phones and laptops. “Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference. These donations will go a long way in supporting AAP’s BMC election campaign and helping us reach voters across all wards,” Menon added. AAP said the crowdsourcing drive highlights its emphasis on participatory politics and is expected to significantly bolster its organisational capacity ahead of the BMC Elections 2026.
27 December,2025 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe Samajwadi Party (SP) on Friday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. In a public announcement, the party said, “As per the instructions of Samajwadi Party Mumbai Maharashtra State President Abu Asim Azmi, the first list of candidates contesting the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections has been announced today. We will field our representatives in all constituencies in Mumbai, and the remaining lists will be announced soon.” The party has nominated 21 candidates in its first list from wards across the city. These include areas such as Pydhonie, Zaveri Bazar, Byculla and Agripada, Sewri, Bhatia Nagar and Shanti Nagar near Wadala in the Island City; Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Kamraj Nagar, Ramabai Nagar and Rafiq Nagar in the eastern suburbs; and Behrampada, Kalina, Andheri East and Bunder Pakhadi in the western suburbs. In the 2017 civic elections, the Samajwadi Party had won six seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s 227-member general body.
27 December,2025 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMumbai is likely to witness a mainly clear sky across the city and suburbs on Saturday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded minimum temperatures of 20.7 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 17.4 degrees Celsius at Santacruz on December 27, with no rainfall reported at either station. Meanwhile, air quality remained in the moderate category. As per the SAMEER app, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 137, which may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart ailments. Among key locations, Chembur recorded poor air quality with an AQI of 276, followed by Bandra Kurla Complex at 172 and Andheri East at 144. Colaba recorded an AQI of 118, Borivali 115, Deonar 142, Kandivali West 130, Kherwadi in Bandra East 126, while Ghatkopar recorded comparatively better air quality at 90. Delhi air quality slips to 'Very Poor' as smog engulfs city; AQI crosses 300 Delhi's air quality has worsened, slipping back into the 'Very Poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 in many areas. Thick smog and fog trap pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life. Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule to address the situation. Visuals around India Gate as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 303, classified as 'Very Poor' by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). Visuals around the Anand Vihar area as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 410, classified as 'Severe' by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). Visuals around the ITO area as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 379, classified as 'very poor' by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). In addition, visuals in the Akshardham area are affected as smog envelops the national capital. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 410, classified as 'Severe' by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). Visuals around the Dhaula Kuan area as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 252, classified as 'Poor' by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities. A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants, leading to haze and smog. This cycle of poor air quality is expected to persist with current weather patterns, prompting continuous monitoring and calls for stricter pollution control measures. 'Very Poor' air quality requires people, especially vulnerable groups (children, elderly, those with respiratory issues), to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks. (With ANI inputs)
27 December,2025 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLocated in the heart of the island city, the F South ward comprises the areas of Parel, parts of Lalbaug, Kalachowkie, Naigaon in Dadar East, Cotton Green, and Sewri. Historically, this ward comprises areas that formed Mumbai’s textile mills heartland. Since 2000, the area has transformed into a major commercial and business district. It is now characterised by rapid residential redevelopment and skyscraper buildings that are changing not only the skyline of the area, but also its demography due to the spurt in luxury high-rise buildings and commercial complexes. KEM, Tata Hospital, Wadia Hospital, and the Sewri TB hospital are some of the major healthcare facilities in the F South ward. Two major roads run through the heart of the ward: Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, which provides crucial north-south connectivity to the eastern suburbs of Mumbai, and the Eastern Freeway, connecting the island city to major areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, such as Navi Mumbai, Kharghar, and Panvel. The Atul Setu, which links the city to Panvel, also lands at Sewri within the jurisdiction of the F South ward. This administrative ward comprises seven electoral wards and is traditionally considered a Shiv Sena stronghold. In 2017, six out of seven municipal councillors elected from this ward were Shiv Sainiks. Three of these corporators bagged over 50 per cent of the total votes polled in their electoral wards, indicating massive support for the party from the area. Today, the area faces the challenges of frequent traffic snarls — more so due to the demolition of the Elphinstone bridge and the now-concluded reconstruction of the Delisle Bridge — and waterlogging, particularly in the infamous flood-prone Hindamata area. Administrative ward: F ward Areas under ward: Parts of Naigaon, Parel, KEM Hospital, Bharatmata, Chinchpokli, Lalbaug, Currey Road, Mint Colony, Abhyuday Nagar, Sewri Population: 3,60,972 Gross density of ward: 374 Characterised by: A spurt in redevelopment, several old mill lands, buildings that are entirely privately owned and under the pagdi system Main issues: Chronic waterlogging spot: 1 on Jaganath Bhatankar Road near Elphinstone Bridge, Parel Electoral Ward 200 in the F Ward: Shindewadi Gautam Nagar, Naigaon BDD Chawls, Rajaram Wadi Demographic details Total population: 51,409SC population: 7626 (15%)ST population: 229 (-) Ward reservation2017 - SC Women2025 - Open Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 42,814Male: 21,544Female: 21,270Others: 0 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Vaibhavi V Chavan (Shiv Sena)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Urmila Panchal (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 35%Votes received: 9098Total votes cast: 25,960 Electoral Ward 201 in the F Ward: Spring Mill Compound, Police Colony, BPT Colony, Mhada Colony, BPCL Complex Demographic details Total population: 52,808SC population: 4841 (9%)ST population: 622 (1%) Ward reservation2017 - Women 2025 - Women Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 40,699Male: 21,960Female: 18,739Others: 0 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Shweta Shamsundar Rane (Shiv Sena) Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Supriya Sunil More (Cong) Winning margin: 36%Votes received: 7406Total votes cast: 20,774 Electoral Ward 202 in the F Ward: Parmanadwadi, Shivaji Nagar, Sewri West Demographic details Total population: 49,531SC population: 3254 (7%)ST population: 242 (-) Ward reservation2017 - Women2025 - Open Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 49,980Male: 26,019Female: 23,960Others: 1 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Sameeta Naik (MNS) Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Shraddha Shridhar Jadhav (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 44%Votes received: 12,032Total votes cast: 27,294 Electoral Ward 203 in the F Ward: Krishna Nagar, Railway Chawl, Vighnharta Sukhkarta Society Demographic details Total population: 52,806SC population: 3071 (6%)ST population: 281 (1%) Ward reservation2017 - Women2025 - Women Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 52,681Male: 27,064Female: 25,616Others: 1 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Ramakant Rahate (Shiv Sena)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Sindhu Ravindranath Masurkar (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 51%Votes received: 14,540Total votes cast: 28,723 Electoral Ward 204 in the F Ward: KEM Hospital, Mint Colony, Ambewadi Lalbaug Market, Megh Wadi, Ganesh Galli Demographic details Total population: 51,369SC population: 2304 (4%)ST population: 220 (-) Ward reservation2017 - Open2025 - Open Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 48,218Male: 24,742Female: 23,476Others: 0 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Vandana Gawli (ABS)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Anil Sadashiv Kokil (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 52%Votes received: 13,410Total votes cast: 25,571 Electoral Ward 205 in the F Ward: Abhyudaya Nagar, Jijamata Nagar, Dabholkar Adda, Kalachowkie Demographic details Total population: 54,658SC population: 2385 (4%)ST population: 515 (1%) Ward reservation2017 - Open2025 - Women Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 49,202Male: 25,848Female: 23,354Others: 0 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Geeta Gawli (ABS)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Datta Pongade (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 51%Votes received: 13,859Total votes cast: 26,948 Electoral Ward 205 in the F Ward: Sewri Fort, Brick Bundar, Bhim Nagar Demographic details Total population: 47,815SC population: 2318 (5%)ST population: 400 (1%) Ward reservation2017 - OBC2025 - Open Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 40,820Male: 22,945Female: 17,872Others: 3 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Fayyaj Ahmed Khan (Cong)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Sachin D Padwal (Shiv Sena) Winning margin: 35%Votes received: 7225Total votes cast: 20,568
27 December,2025 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSEight city doctors are coming together to belt out Shah Rukh Khan songs in a music show at Bandra’s Rangsharda Auditorium on Sunday, December 28, evening. This is a three-hour ticketed show called ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ with proceeds going towards head and neck cancer patients. This is the fourth edition of the show, with the first in 2018 being ‘Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana’ with superstar Rajesh Khanna’s songs. The second edition in 2019 was headlined ‘Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Khayal Aata Hai’ with Amitabh Bachchan hits. In 2023, the docs held ‘Om Shanti Om’, a Rishi Kapoor musical tribute and now, it is the Shah Rukh Khan numbers. A performance during the 2019 edition of the show Said Dr Rajesh Valand, ENT and head and neck cancer surgeon leading the band called the ‘C Smile Foundation’, “We always choose to perform songs of Bollywood superstars. We find they resonate more with the audience, who has an immediate connect. We started from Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and now, of course, Shah Rukh Khan. Busy, buzzing docs at the top of their professional ladder and singing make a unique and fascinating combination. Dr Valand laughed as he explained, “We even squeeze in some practice after work at 10.30 pm.” Hero act Dr Valand added, “I am passionate about singing. I sing at every show. There are orthopaedic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and dentists singing, too. Both our show moderators are maxillofacial surgeons. India is truly going through an epidemic of head and neck cancers.” Dr Valand commended all medical professionals and caretakers. “I see genuine commitment and compassion. There are those who work tirelessly for underprivileged head and neck cancer patients — individuals who may not have the means to afford life-saving treatment, yet deserve the same dignity, care and chance at life as anyone else.” Healers hit the high notes in 2023. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Docs agree that while this is a very worthy cause, the show itself needs to hold audience attention and engagement for three hours. This is a challenge in a world where attention spans are getting short. Said Dr Valand, “I have factored that in. In fact, my aim is not to let the audience resort to checking their WhatsApp messages even for a few seconds throughout. Songs will be interspersed with anecdotes, and I myself will be wearing what the hero wore in a particular movie. In one of the earlier shows, we had a cutout of a jeep, with a hero singing from it, as happened in the film. It is all about keeping your audience’s eyes, and ears in this case, glued to the performance,” he said, making us bring a twist to the adage: an apple a day may keep the doctor away, but when these doctors are singing, you are sure to keep the mobile away. In the end, this show is as much about messages as it is about melodies and medicine. “We often talk to people about refraining from nicotine/tobacco, but this time, preventive messages are couched in music,” concluded the docs. Like the wise say: music is life, that is why even our hearts have beats. For tickets call: 8291342116
27 December,2025 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe sessions court has acquitted an Ola cab driver of charges related to insulting a woman’s modesty, but upheld his conviction for criminal intimidation with a reduced sentence in an altercation case. The case stems from a 2018 late-night altercation at Mumbai International Airport involving the driver, Yashwant Suranje, and a family returning from Hong Kong. In January this year, a magistrate court had originally convicted Suranje for offences committed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It then sentenced him to six months of rigorous imprisonment for insulting the modesty, while he was sent to three months jail for the other two charges. Suranje appealed the conviction, arguing that the constituents of Section 509 of the IPC were not met. He submitted that the punishment was overly harsh as he had already lost his business due to the legal battle. The additional sessions judge (Dindoshi court), in the verdict delivered on December 18, ruled that the prosecution has failed to prove its case for outraging modesty. The judge noted that although an altercation did occur, it did not meet the legal threshold for outraging modesty. “It is clear that whatever words used by the accused are not sufficient to infer that he had intention to insult the modesty of the women or mother of the informant,” the court said. The sessions judge, appreciating the evidence on record, stressed that three months of rigorous imprisonment was “harsh punishment”.
27 December,2025 10:08 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
