Ex-MLA Jailed for Slapping Cop at Sena Event
Harshvardhan Jadhav sentenced to one year in jail.
In a significant development that revives a decade-old controversy, former Maharashtra legislator Harshvardhan Raibhan Jadhav has been sentenced to one year of imprisonment by a Nagpur court for assaulting a police officer during a political meeting in 2014. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Additional District and Sessions Judge R J Rai, who also imposed a ₹10,000 fine on the former MLA. As per the court’s order, failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three months of imprisonment.
Jadhav, a controversial political figure who has switched allegiances across multiple parties including Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Shiv Swarajya Paksha, is also known for being the son-in-law of BJP leader and former Union Minister Raosaheb Danve.
The case against him stems from an incident that took place in December 2014 at a hotel in Nagpur, where a meeting was being held by the then undivided Shiv Sena under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. During the event, Jadhav reportedly slapped Police Inspector Parag Jadhav, an act that was widely condemned and led to a formal police complaint under Indian Penal Code Sections 332 and 353, which pertain to assault on a public servant and obstructing them from discharging official duties.
While Jadhav was granted temporary bail in the past, his repeated absence from court proceedings resulted in a non-bailable warrant being issued. He finally appeared before the judicial magistrate in February 2025, after which he was taken into judicial custody. Following his arrest, he was admitted to Mayo Hospital due to health issues, and was later released on bail. The trial, however, continued, with Public Prosecutor Charushila Paunikar presenting strong evidence to secure a conviction against him.
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The court’s ruling marks a rare but important precedent in a political landscape often marred by impunity. It sends a strong message that no one is above the law, even those with powerful political connections. The verdict has sparked conversations across party lines, with some applauding the judiciary for upholding the law, while others question the timing and political undertones surrounding the sentencing. As Jadhav faces his sentence, the case also reignites discussions about the conduct of elected officials and the need for greater accountability in Indian politics.
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