In a ruling that underscored the primacy of voting rights, the Bombay High Court has allowed Pune-based gang leader Gajanan Marne, also known as Gajya Marne, to enter the city and cast his vote in the January 15 civic body elections.
The court held that even a gangster has a fundamental right to cast his vote, while carefully limiting Marne’s movement, citing law and order concerns.
Marne faces nearly two dozen criminal cases, including charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). While granting him bail earlier, the court had directed him to stay outside Pune city limits.
Ahead of the municipal polls, Marne sought relaxation of those conditions after the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) issued an AB form to his wife, Jayashree Marne, naming her as the party’s official candidate from Ward No. 10 in Bavdhan. He approached the trial court seeking permission to enter the city to vote, but the plea was rejected despite the court acknowledging his right to vote.
Marne then moved the High Court through his advocates, arguing that since his wife was contesting the election, he should be permitted to enter Pune solely to exercise his franchise.
Opposing the plea, Additional Public Prosecutor MG Patil told the court that Marne is a habitual offender with serious antecedents. Allowing him into the city, Patil argued, could create law and order problems, especially during the election period.
Justice Shivkumar Dige noted that Marne is currently on bail in all registered cases and reiterated that the right to vote is fundamental. Taking these factors into account, the bench initially permitted Marne to enter Pune on January 15 and 16.
However, the state government soon sought a modification, flagging security concerns as the city would already be under heightened alert due to polling.
Accepting the state’s submission, the court narrowed the window of permission. Marne will now be allowed to enter Pune only on January 15, between 9 am and 6 pm. He must cast his vote by 11 am and remain at his residence thereafter.
The order attempts to strike a balance between safeguarding public order and upholding a constitutional right, even in the case of a man with a long criminal record.
– Ends
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Jan 15, 2026
