The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Arun Gawli, a notorious gangster-turned-politician, in the 2007 murder case of Mumbai Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. Gawli, 76, who has been serving a life sentence under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), was released on bail after nearly 18 years in Nagpur Central Jail, with the court citing his advanced age and prolonged incarceration.
The decision, made by Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh, noted that Gawli’s appeal against his conviction has been pending for over 17 years. “Taking into account his 17 years and three months of imprisonment and his age of 76, we are inclined to grant bail,” the bench stated, setting a final hearing for February 2026. The court allowed the Maharashtra government to seek cancellation of bail if Gawli violates trial court conditions or commits further offenses.
Gawli, once a feared figure in Mumbai’s underworld, operated from Dagdi Chawl in Byculla and founded the Akhil Bharatiya Sena. He served as an MLA from Chinchpokli between 2004 and 2009. Arrested in 2006 for Jamsandekar’s murder, he was convicted in 2012 by a Mumbai sessions court, which imposed a life sentence and a Rs 17 lakh fine. The Bombay High Court upheld the verdict in 2019, prompting Gawli’s appeal to the Supreme Court.
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The bail follows a contentious legal battle over Gawli’s premature release. In April 2024, the Bombay High Court ordered his release under the 2006 remission policy, citing his age and infirmity. However, the Maharashtra government, arguing that Gawli faced over 46 cases, including 10 murder charges, and that MCOCA convicts require 40 years for remission under the 2015 policy, challenged the order. The Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s decision in June 2024, extending the stay in July, before granting bail this week.
Gawli’s release comes amid Mumbai’s charged political climate, with civic elections looming. His dual identity as a gangster and former legislator continues to stir debate. Vaibhav Agey, superintendent of Nagpur Central Jail, confirmed Gawli’s release awaits formal orders from the Mumbai sessions court. Gawli’s counsel, Mir Nagman Ali, emphasized his client’s compliance during past furloughs, arguing for his release. The Maharashtra government, however, remains vigilant, citing Gawli’s extensive criminal history.
The case has drawn attention to delays in India’s judicial system, with Gawli’s appeal languishing for nearly two decades. As he prepares to walk free, questions persist about his influence in Mumbai’s underworld and political spheres.
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