Maharashtra Legislative Council privilege motion seeks apology from Suryakant More, warns of jail

The Maharashtra Legislative Council passed privilege motions seeking apologies from NCP SP leader Suryakant More for remarks against Chairman Ram Shinde and members, or a seven-day jail term. A separate motion sought apologies from four journalists linked to the Satya Ladha YouTube channel over allegations, or a five-day jail term, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis citing the House’s sanctity.

The Maharashtra Legislative Council passed two privilege motions on Tuesday over alleged misconduct and false reporting. One motion sought an apology from NCP SP leader Suryakant More for objectionable remarks in the House. Another motion demanded apologies from four journalists over allegations aired on the YouTube channel Satya Ladha. Both motions included jail terms if apologies are not given.

If Suryakant More does not apologise, the motion said More will face seven days in jail. The four journalists named were Ganesh Sonawane, Harshada Sonawane, Amol Nandurkar and Ankush Gawde. The House said all four must apologise, or face a five-day jail term. These actions were presented as measures to protect the Council’s dignity.

Maharashtra Legislative Council motions and proposed jail terms

BJP member Prasad Lad moved the motions linked to Suryakant More and the journalists. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also moved a motion in the matter. Devendra Fadnavis said More made objectionable remarks against Chairman Ram Shinde. Devendra Fadnavis said the remarks targeted current and former members too.

Devendra Fadnavis told the Council the comments created hate and ridicule against the Upper House. Devendra Fadnavis said the privilege committee had recommended a 30-day jail term. Devendra Fadnavis said the panel wanted a strict punishment. Devendra Fadnavis added the committee view matched the conduct described in the case.

Maharashtra Legislative Council action on journalists and Satya Ladha

On the second motion, Devendra Fadnavis said the journalists published fake news on Satya Ladha. Devendra Fadnavis said the content also appeared on other TV channels. Devendra Fadnavis said the reports carried baseless allegations against MLC Amol Mitkari. Devendra Fadnavis said the claims aimed to damage Amol Mitkari’s social and political image.

Devendra Fadnavis said the reports spread misunderstanding among people. The motion required apologies from Ganesh Sonawane, Harshada Sonawane, Amol Nandurkar and Ankush Gawde. The Council set a five-day jail term if apologies are not issued. The motion treated the matter as a breach of privilege through inaccurate allegations.

Maharashtra Legislative Council stance on apology and House sanctity

Devendra Fadnavis said the House chose a shorter sentence for Suryakant More. Devendra Fadnavis said a conscious decision reduced the punishment to seven days. Devendra Fadnavis said the intention was not punishment alone. Devendra Fadnavis said the aim was to protect the House sanctity through such action.

Devendra Fadnavis also referred to an earlier apology linked to the Satya Ladha channel. Devendra Fadnavis said Satish Deshmukh, the editor of Satya Ladha, already issued an apology. Devendra Fadnavis said MLC Amol Mitkari accepted that apology. The Council motions still sought apologies from the four journalists named.

With inputs from PTI