Court allows Andekar family members to file nomination papers today

Advocate Mithun Chavan, appearing for the accused, sought police escort for filing nomination papers

A special court has granted police escort to accused Sonali Vanraj Andekar, Laxmi Udyakant Andekar and Suryakant Ranoji Andekar to enable them to submit their nomination papers for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections on December 27, subject to strict conditions.

The police escort is granted to the accused Sonali Vanraj Andekar, Laxmi Udyakant Andekar, and Suryakant Ranoji Andekar to submit their nomination papers on December 27 to contest the election of PMC. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

In his order dated December 24, Special Judge under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), SR Salunkhe stated, “The police escort is granted to the accused Sonali Vanraj Andekar, Laxmi Udyakant Andekar, and Suryakant Ranoji Andekar to submit their nomination papers on December 27 to contest the election of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), on the condition that there shall not be any procession, slogans, public speeches, or rallies on the day of submitting nomination papers. Issue a letter to the Samartha police station accordingly.”

Advocate Mithun Chavan, appearing for the accused, had sought police escort for filing nomination papers. He also assured the court that the accused were willing to deposit the necessary charges for the police escort.

Observing that contesting an election is a right of every citizen, the court noted that it was necessary to allow the request, albeit with conditions, to ensure law and order.