Bombay High Court Upholds BJP Candidate’s Nomination in Navi Mumbai Ward 17(A), Clears Way for Polls
Navi Mumbai, 10th January 2026: In a significant legal development ahead of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, the Bombay High Court has upheld the nomination of BJP candidate Adv. Nilesh Bhojane from Ward No. 17(A), setting aside the election officer’s order that had rejected his nomination over alleged unauthorised construction. The ruling removes all hurdles for the election to proceed as per the original schedule, delivering a major relief to the BJP.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad on Friday quashed the December 31, 2025 order of the election decision officer and vacated the interim stay granted on January 8, directing authorities to continue the election process without delay.
The court observed that the election officer had misinterpreted provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act while rejecting Bhojane’s nomination.
Bhojane’s candidature had been rejected by invoking Section 10(1)(d) of the Act, which disqualifies a sitting corporator if he or his dependent family members are found to have carried out illegal or unauthorised construction.
However, the High Court clarified that this provision applies only to elected corporators and not to candidates at the nomination stage.
“A person becomes a corporator only after being elected. The question of disqualification under Section 10 arises only during the tenure of a corporator and not while scrutinising nomination papers,” the court categorically stated.
The bench further referred to Sections 11 and 12 of the Act, noting that an election officer does not have the authority to decide disqualification issues.
Under the law, if a question of disqualification arises, the Municipal Commissioner must refer the matter to a judge, and until a judicial determination is made, the individual cannot be treated as disqualified.
Taking these legal provisions into account, the High Court declared the election officer’s decision illegal and directed that Adv. Bhojane’s name be included in the final list of valid candidates contesting from Ward 17(A).
Political Impact in Ward 17(A):
The controversy had earlier created political uncertainty in the ward, prompting the BJP to temporarily back an independent candidate as a contingency measure. With the court clearing Bhojane’s nomination, the BJP will now enter the fray with its official candidate, setting the stage for a more intense electoral contest.
The verdict is also being viewed as an important precedent for municipal election procedures across Maharashtra, particularly on the correct interpretation of disqualification clauses related to unauthorised constructions.
Welcoming the judgment, Adv. Bhojane said he would pursue legal action against those who attempted to conspire against him. “I welcome the High Court’s order. I will fight the conspiracy against me through legal means. As per the court’s directions, I am now fully prepared to contest the election and will begin my campaign immediately,” he said.
