Summary
Powerful Comeback: Arun Gawli Walks Free After 17 Years as Supreme Court Grants Bail — In a major development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli in the 2007 murder case of Mumbai Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. After nearly 18 years behind bars, Gawli stepped out of Nagpur Central Jail, marking a significant legal and political moment.
Arun Gawli’s Release After 17 Years: A Major Legal Update
On August 28, 2025, the Supreme Court granted bail to 76-year-old Arun Gawli, citing his prolonged incarceration while his appeal remained pending. Gawli had been serving a life sentence under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for orchestrating the 2007 murder of Shiv Sena leader Kamlakar Jamsandekar.
The bench, comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh, acknowledged that Gawli had already served nearly 18 years in prison, noting that this extended period warranted bail while the case appeal continued.
Arun Gawli Walks Free: Supreme Court’s Observations and Bail Conditions
While granting bail, the Supreme Court clarified that this decision would not impact the merits of the ongoing case. Gawli’s release is subject to the conditions set by the trial court, and the prosecution has the right to seek cancellation of bail if he violates these terms or faces fresh criminal charges.
The matter has now been scheduled for the next hearing in February 2026.
Arun Gawli Walks Free: Life Behind Bars and Political Journey
Once a feared underworld figure from Mumbai’s Dagdi Chawl, Arun Gawli later transitioned into politics, founding the Akhil Bharatiya Sena and serving as an MLA from Chinchpokli between 2004 and 2009.
In August 2012, a Mumbai sessions court convicted him for his role in the Jamsandekar murder case, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹17 lakh. The Bombay High Court upheld this verdict in December 2019, leading to Gawli’s appeal before the Supreme Court.
Arun Gawli Walks Free: Emotional Homecoming After Nearly Two Decades
On September 3, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., Arun Gawli walked out of Nagpur Central Jail after completing all legal formalities. He was greeted by family members, lawyers, and supporters, marking an emotional homecoming after nearly two decades.
Amid tight security, he was escorted to Nagpur airport and then flew to Mumbai, where his release created waves across political and legal circles.
Arun Gawli Walks Free: What Lies Ahead for Arun Gawli
While his release marks a significant legal victory, Arun Gawli’s future remains tied to the pending appeal in the Supreme Court. His journey from underworld notoriety to political prominence and now to legal reprieve continues to attract public and media attention.
The next court hearing in February 2026 will decide the course of this high-profile case.
Arun Gawli Walks Free: Final Thoughts
Arun Gawli’s release after 17 years highlights the Supreme Court’s focus on balancing justice with prolonged incarceration cases. For now, his freedom offers a chance to reconnect with his family and supporters while awaiting the final verdict.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Arun Gawli Walks Free
1. Who is Arun Gawli, and why was he in jail?
Arun Gawli is a former underworld don-turned-politician from Mumbai, popularly known as the “Daddy” of Dagdi Chawl. He was serving a life sentence under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for his involvement in the 2007 murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar.
2. Why did the Supreme Court grant bail to Arun Gawli after 17 years?
The Supreme Court granted bail, considering Gawli’s prolonged incarceration of nearly 18 years while his appeal against the conviction was still pending. The court emphasized that his long imprisonment without a final verdict justified his release under strict conditions.
3. What conditions did the Supreme Court impose on Arun Gawli’s bail?
The Supreme Court made it clear that Arun Gawli’s bail would be subject to terms set by the trial court. Moreover, the prosecution can request the cancellation of bail if he violates any conditions or faces fresh criminal charges.
4. When did Arun Gawli walk out of jail?
Arun Gawli walked out of Nagpur Central Jail on September 3, 2025, at around 12:30 p.m., after completing all legal formalities following the Supreme Court’s bail order.
5. What is the current status of Arun Gawli’s appeal?
The Supreme Court has listed the next hearing of his appeal for February 2026. Until then, he remains out on bail under the trial court’s supervision.
6. What was Arun Gawli’s political career before imprisonment?
Before his conviction, Arun Gawli founded the Akhil Bharatiya Sena and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Chinchpokli constituency in Mumbai between 2004 and 2009.
7. How did Arun Gawli’s release impact his supporters and family?
Arun Gawli’s release was an emotional moment for his family, supporters, and political followers. A large crowd welcomed him outside the Nagpur Central Jail, marking his return home after almost two decades.
8. Does Arun Gawli’s bail affect the final verdict of the case?
No, the Supreme Court clarified that granting bail does not influence the merits of the case. The final decision will be made after the appeal hearing in February 2026.
9. Why is Arun Gawli’s case significant?
Arun Gawli’s case reflects the intersection of Mumbai’s underworld history, politics, and India’s legal system. His long incarceration, political career, and public image make it a high-profile matter attracting national attention.
10. What happens next in Arun Gawli’s case?
The Supreme Court will hear the pending appeal in February 2026. The final verdict will determine whether his conviction stands or he is acquitted. Until then, he remains free on bail.