Maharashtra Politics & Governance

Bombay High Court Seeks Jal Jeevan Mission Spending and Progress Details

1 July 2026

The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to submit details of Jal Jeevan Mission funds received and used, as well as the scheme’s progress, at the next hearing. It also sought information on measures taken in Melghat and the state’s current action plan. The state said pipeline work there was delayed pending forest department clearances.

Key Facts

• Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide rural households with regular, long-term tap-water access.

Maharashtra Suspends TT Vaccine Batch Pending Investigation

1 July 2026

Maharashtra suspended the use of a specific tetanus and diphtheria (TT) vaccine batch across the state as a precaution after a 17-year-old Nashik girl died following vaccination. Authorities recalled 272 distributed vials and sent about 800 samples of the vaccine and syringes for laboratory testing; the cause of death remained under investigation.

Key Facts

• TT is a toxoid vaccine that prevents tetanus; the reported batch’s safety remains under investigation.

Sachin Ahir Elected Unopposed Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council

1 July 2026

Sachin Ahir was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council after the opposition candidate’s proposal was withdrawn. The Council confirmed his election unanimously during its sitting.

Key Facts

• The Maharashtra Legislative Council is a continuing upper house; one-third of its members retire every two years.

Maharashtra Police Raid Bihar Cyber Café in TET Paper-Leak Probe

1 July 2026

Thane Police, assisted by Vaishali Police, raided a cyber café on Kachahari Road in Hajipur as part of the Maharashtra TET paper-leak investigation. The team detained three people, including the café owner, for questioning and examined documents and digital evidence.

Bombay High Court Quashes Externment Orders Against Mumbai Activist

2 July 2026

The Bombay High Court quashed externment orders against Mumbai activist Saeed Ahmed Abdul Wahid Chowdhury, ruling that opposing government policies through protests could not, by itself, justify externment. The orders were issued on 3 December 2025 and 27 March 2026. The court said that protest against government action is protected by constitutional rights.

Key Facts

• The report describes peaceful protest as a constitutional fundamental right, which cannot alone justify externment.

Maharashtra Assembly Passes Bill Recognising Women as Farmers

2 July 2026

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill, recognising women working in farming and allied activities, including animal husbandry, fisheries and poultry, as farmers. Women may receive farmer certificates even if their names are absent from land records, enabling them to access government agricultural schemes; the Bill does not transfer land ownership.

Bombay High Court Orders Secrecy in Probe into Threats Against Retired Judge Gautam Patel

2 July 2026

The Bombay High Court directed the Union and Maharashtra governments not to disclose investigative steps in the ongoing probe into threats against retired judge Gautam Patel and his family. After considering reports from both governments, the court directed Maharashtra to submit a progress report at the next hearing, scheduled for 7 August.

Maharashtra Information Commission Stays RTI Act Amendments

2 July 2026

The Maharashtra State Information Commission stayed amendments to the state Right to Information Act that had been published in the official gazette on 12 June. The decision followed a letter from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the Commission; social activist Anna Hazare had opposed the changes and warned he would begin an indefinite fast on 5 July.

Key Facts

• The RTI Act lets citizens request information from public authorities, supporting transparency and accountability.
• Maharashtra’s State Information Commission exercises statutory RTI functions, including handling appeals and complaints.

Maharashtra Announces Royalty-Free Minor Minerals for Farmers’ Internal Works

2 July 2026

Maharashtra announced that farmers can obtain minor minerals such as murum, sand and stone without royalty for internal agricultural works. Farmers must apply to the local circle officer for a 15-day permit, covering work such as farm-road repairs and wells; commercial use is excluded.

The announcement also stated that farmers’ tractors transporting these materials for permitted farm work would not face revenue or transport-department penalties.

BMC Orders Inquiry and Suspends Officials After Saki Naka Manhole Death

2 July 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation ordered an inquiry after a man died in an ...