A Nagpur court has granted bail to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and state minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in relation to a case stemming from a Congress protest in 2017. The judicial proceedings took place on August 11, 2026, during which both leaders appeared personally before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court. They submitted their bail applications on that day, seeking release from the charges filed against them.

Judge N N Chintamani presided over the bail hearing and, after reviewing the submitted arguments, approved the applications. Both men were required to make a cash payment of Rs 5,000 and furnish a personal bond amounting to Rs 15,000 each to secure their release.

Background of the Protest Case

The case dates back to September 26, 2017, when the Congress party organised a protest at Samvidhan Square in Nagpur. This demonstration was intended to express dissatisfaction with the escalating prices of essential commodities, notably fuel and cooking gas. Following speeches delivered by prominent party leaders, a delegation attempted to submit a memorandum to local authorities.

Subsequently, an estimated fifty to seventy protesters allegedly breached the terms of the protest permit by advancing towards the main entrance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Reports indicate that some individuals within the group attempted to confront police personnel while attempting to gain entrance to the RBI premises. These actions reportedly resulted in a scuffle between the protesters and the security forces.

Further allegations include some protesters climbing over an iron gate and others participating in a sit-in on the roadway, which led to a disruption of local traffic. Additionally, protesters voiced their grievances against both the Central and state governments and are alleged to have set fire to an effigy representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Charges Filed Against the Leaders

Following the events of the protest, the Sadar Police initiated legal action against six Congress leaders, which included Prithviraj Chavan, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, MLA Vikas Thakre, Maharashtra Congress secretary Umakant Agnihotri, former corporator Prashant Dhawad, and Pragya Badwaik. The case is significant not only due to the political figures involved but also because it highlights the tensions surrounding public protests in India.

The accused individuals face multiple legal charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 149 (offence committed in prosecution of common object), 341 (wrongful restraint), 332 (causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty), and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty). Additionally, they have been booked under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

As legal proceedings continue, the police have submitted a chargesheet to the court detailing the accusations against the accused leaders. The ongoing case may have implications not only for those charged but also for broader discussions around civil unrest and the rights of citizens to protest in India.

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