Quick Summary: Haridas Shankar Gaikwad was held under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act. The High Court of Bombay has now canceled this detention, pointing out the incorrect use of laws meant to stop people from causing trouble before they do anything wrong.
On April 14, 2025, Haridas Shankar Gaikwad was held under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1981. The top police officer in Solapur issued this order, saying Gaikwad's actions were a threat to public peace.
"The Commissioner believed that Haridas Gaikwad is a dangerous person," the court papers state.
The case started with a suggestion from the Senior Inspector of Police at Salgarwasti Police Station, Solapur, on March 10, 2025. Gaikwad was accused of illegal activities related to refilling LPG cylinders, breaking the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Gaikwad was arrested and then released on bail on March 7, 2025. The court set several rules for him, including checking in regularly at the police station and not messing with any evidence.
"Breaking any bail conditions will lead to the cancellation of bail," the court order stated.
The High Court, led by Judges M.S. Karnik and Ajit B. Kadethankar, found that the police did not think about the rules of Gaikwad's bail before deciding to hold him.
"The State has other options... using preventive detention law is not the right choice," the court remarked.
On November 11, 2025, the High Court canceled the detention order and ordered Gaikwad's immediate release. The case highlights the need to follow legal steps and make sure all other options are tried before using preventive detention.
