The report tabled in the House noted that Deshmukh, a supporter of NCP(SP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jitendra Awhad, and Takale, a supporter of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar, had engaged in a physical confrontation in the assembly lobby
The altercation that took place inside the Mumbai Vidhan Bhavan complex during the July monsoon session. File pic
The Maharashtra Legislature’s Privileges Committee on Friday recommended two days of “civil custody” for two supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislators, and barred them from entering the Vidhan Bhavan premises for their involvement in a scuffle during the monsoon session, news agency PTI reported.
The committee proposed a complete ban on the entry of the two men — Nitin Deshmukh and Sarjerao Takale — into the Vidhan Bhavan complexes in both Mumbai and Nagpur for the remainder of the current assembly’s tenure, which runs until 2029.
Committee chairperson and Shiv Sena legislator Narendra Bhondekar informed the assembly that the decision was made after reviewing video footage of the altercation that took place inside the Mumbai Vidhan Bhavan complex during the July monsoon session.
“The committee verified the facts and the sequence of events before finalising the action,” he said.
The report tabled in the House noted that Deshmukh, a supporter of NCP(SP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jitendra Awhad, and Takale, a supporter of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar, had engaged in a physical confrontation in the assembly lobby, PTI reported. The nature and execution of the “civil custody” recommended for them is yet to be determined.
The committee also proposed creating a dynamic database system to screen individuals seeking entry into the legislature complex and deny access to anyone facing serious criminal charges.
The winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature is currently underway in Nagpur, the state’s second capital.
Efforts underway to govern Maharashtra from PMO: Nana Patole on new Lokayukta Act
Congress leader Nana Patole on Friday criticised the Maharashtra Government as it prepares to implement the amended Lokayukta Act, following the state legislature’s approval of changes recommended by the Centre. He alleged that efforts are being made to run the state from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Speaking to ANI, Patole said, “The Chief Minister of Maharashtra is trying to run the state as Gujarat was run at a certain point in time. Efforts are being made to introduce one-sided laws to govern from the PMO.”
The move follows long-standing demands from social activist Anna Hazare, who had announced an indefinite fast starting January 31, 2026, if the Act was not implemented. The Lokayukta Bill was originally passed in the assembly on December 28, 2022, and in the legislative council on December 15, 2023, before being sent for Presidential assent. President Droupadi Murmu approved the bill while recommending three key amendments, which were formally conveyed to Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis.
The CM clarified in the legislature that bodies established solely under Central laws will not automatically fall under the jurisdiction of the state Lokayukta, ANI reported. However, officers appointed by the state to such bodies will come within its purview. Likewise, officers appointed by the Maharashtra Government to institutions created by the Centre will also fall under the Lokayukta Act.
The amendments additionally replace references to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Evidence Act with updated citations from the Centre’s new criminal codes — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
With both the Houses now approving the amendments and Presidential assent already granted, the state government is set to bring the revamped Lokayukta Act into force soon, marking a significant step in strengthening Maharashtra’s transparency and anti-corruption framework, ANI reported.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
