Tue Sep 09 20:29:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Bombay High Court Upholds Thane MP Naresh Mhaske’s 2024 Lok Sabha Victory**

**Mumbai -** The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed an election petition filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, challenging the 2024 Lok Sabha victory of Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, the Thane MP from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

Justice R.I. Chagla stated that Vichare’s plea “fails to disclose a cause of action” and contains an “incurable defect,” leading to its rejection.

Vichare had alleged that Mhaske failed to declare a 2016 criminal conviction in his election affidavit, arguing it constituted a false declaration. However, the court sided with Mhaske’s defense, stating that under Section 33A(1)(ii) of the Representation of People Act, candidates only need to declare convictions resulting in imprisonment of one year or more. Since Mhaske was released on probation, no such disclosure was required.

The court cited Supreme Court interpretations and clarified that while amended forms for election affidavits exist, the statutory provisions of the Representation of People Act take precedence. It held that the affidavit form cannot extend beyond the parent statute, meaning the disclosure requirement remains limited to convictions involving imprisonment of at least one year.

The court also dismissed Vichare’s allegation of “corrupt practice” as unsubstantiated.

With the High Court’s ruling, Naresh Mhaske’s election victory from the Thane constituency stands validated.

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