Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 5: A sessions court has allowed BJP corporator and mayor Ritu Tawde to renew her expired passport, even as she continues to face trial in a case related to the alleged assault of schoolteachers.

The ruling comes shortly after the court rejected Tawde’s discharge plea, observing that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges against her. Her passport had expired in May 2025, prompting her to seek judicial permission for renewal through the passport office.

Additional Sessions Judge YP Manathkar noted that the prosecution did not oppose the request. After reviewing the case details and current stage of proceedings, the court concluded that renewing the passport would not affect the trial.

“There seems no reason to deny permission. Renewal of the passport will not hamper the trial,” the judge stated.

However, the court imposed a strict condition: Tawde cannot travel abroad without prior approval. This restriction is aimed at ensuring her availability for court proceedings.

The case dates back to a 2016 incident at a municipal school in Shastri Nagar, where a dispute over a teacher’s transfer allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. According to the prosecution, Tawde and others used criminal force against school staff, with victims directly identifying her as one of the assailants.

The court, while refusing to discharge her earlier, had noted that the evidence on record was strong enough to frame charges, pointing out that the complainants had clearly named her in their statements.