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**Summary:**

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Maharashtra government for its failure to establish dedicated courts for cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court has set a deadline of January 31, 2026, for the completion of the trial in the 2017 murder of a Congress corporator from Bhiwandi, warning that the accused, Prashant Bhaskar Mahatre, could be granted bail if the trial is not concluded by then. The court highlighted the urgent need for special courts to handle cases under special statutes like MCOCA, NIA Act, and UAPA, citing potential delays and the possibility of accused being released on bail. The court also noted the high number of witnesses turning hostile in the case, urging the police to streamline the witness list and ensure the cooperation of defense counsel to prevent unnecessary adjournments.

**News Article:**

**Supreme Court Raps Maharashtra Government Over MCOCA Court Delays, Sets Deadline in Corporator Murder Case**

**New Delhi, July 19, 2025:** The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong rebuke to the Maharashtra government over the persistent delays in establishing specialized courts to handle cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). During a hearing on Friday, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi questioned the state’s lack of action, emphasizing the need for speedy trials under special statutes and expressing concern that delays could allow gangsters to operate with impunity, even from prison.

The court specifically addressed the long-pending 2017 murder case of a Congress corporator from Bhiwandi, setting a firm deadline of January 31, 2026, for its completion. Prashant Bhaskar Mahatre, the alleged main conspirator in the murder, has been incarcerated for eight years. The court warned that if the trial isn’t finished by the set deadline, Mahatre could seek bail due to the extended duration of the proceedings.

The justices highlighted a broader issue: the failure to establish special courts for MCOCA, NIA Act, and UAPA cases. They warned that without such courts, the judiciary might be forced to release accused individuals on bail due to the unacceptably slow pace of trials.

While acknowledging the state’s efforts to prune the witness list down to 30 key individuals and the examination of 24 witnesses since March 2025, the court stressed the importance of cooperation from all parties to expedite the trial. The court also directed the trial court to hear the case twice a month to meet the deadline.

The Supreme Court previously voiced concerns about the large number of prosecution witnesses turning hostile, lamenting the societal trend of people being unwilling to stand for the truth. The court urged the Maharashtra police to ensure that only crucial witnesses are examined to secure a conviction.

The Bombay High Court had earlier rejected Mahatre’s bail plea, citing his potential as the “main conspirator” in the corporator’s murder. The High Court referred to statements indicating a longstanding political rivalry between Mahatre, who is the victim’s cousin, and the deceased.

The case stems from the brutal assault and murder of Manoj Mahatre, a three-time Congress corporator, on February 14, 2017. He was attacked with firearms, sickles and choppers. Prashant Bhaskar Mahatre and seven others were subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.

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