Pune: Court Grants Bail to NCP (SP) Leader Mahadev Balgude, Says Criticising Government Is Not Waging War
Pune, 15th July 2026: A sessions court in Pune has observed that criticism of the government or the Chief Minister cannot, by itself, be construed as waging war against the nation, while granting bail to Mahadev Balgude, the Maharashtra state president of the social media wing of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
In its order, Additional Sessions Judge B D Kulkarni said every citizen has a constitutional right to express opinions, appreciate or criticise the government’s policies and functioning. The court held that such criticism falls within the ambit of democratic discourse and cannot automatically attract charges relating to threats to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Balgude was arrested by Pimpri Chinchwad police in April after allegedly sharing morphed images of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on social media and posting content that, according to the police, expressed sympathy towards Naxalites.
Police had booked him under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, along with other offences.
After examining the case diary and investigation records, the court observed that the material on record showed Balgude had questioned the investigation in certain criminal cases and criticised the implementation of government schemes. It found no evidence to suggest that he had declared war against the nation, incited others to do so, or committed any act threatening India’s sovereignty, unity or integrity.
The court also noted that the applicability of Section 152 of the BNS in the case was itself debatable, while the remaining offences invoked against the accused were bailable.
Observing that the police had completed the investigation and filed the chargesheet, the court said custodial interrogation was no longer necessary and granted Balgude bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000.
The court directed Balgude not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses, to furnish his current address and mobile number to the investigating officer, and not to leave the country without prior permission of the court.
