Bombay High Court Remarks on 'Horse Trading' in Maharashtra, Says 'There Is a Washing Machine' for Those With FIRs

"Even you (Saeed) should switch sides... anyways horse trading is going on in entire Maharashtra. You have some FIRs... consider switching sides, there is a washing machine." — Justice Madhav Jamdar (oral observation during the hearing)

The Bombay High Court on Thursday (July 2) made notable oral observations on the political situation in Maharashtra, commenting that "horse trading" was taking place across the state and making a reference to a "washing machine" while hearing a petition challenging an externment order.

Justice Madhav Jamdar made the remarks during the hearing of a petition filed by Saeed Ahmad Abdul Wahid Chaudhary (49), the General Secretary of the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

The petition challenged the Maharashtra Police's decision to extern Chaudhary following protests organized by him against the Union Government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Court Quashes Externment Order Against SDPI Leader

After hearing the matter, Justice Jamdar quashed the externment order, holding that merely organizing protests or expressing opposition to government decisions cannot become a valid ground for externment under the Maharashtra Police Act.

The Court observed that such action affects the constitutional rights guaranteed to citizens.

Justice Jamdar's Remarks on 'Horse Trading' and the 'Washing Machine'

During the proceedings, Justice Jamdar referred to recent political developments in Maharashtra, where Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative

Assembly (MLAs) have switched political parties.

The observations came after the Court noted that the petitioner belonged to the SDPI.

Justice Jamdar orally remarked:

"Day before yesterday, one 10 years child was killed in an accident and what the State Assembly was discussing - how a Presiding Officer is elected and how he has shifted from one party to the another... What is this? Even you (Saeed) should switch sides... anyways horse trading is going on in entire Maharashtra. You (Saeed) have some FIRs... consider switching sides, there is a washing machine."

The remarks were made in a lighter vein during the hearing.

Court Criticizes Action Against Citizens for Protesting

Justice Jamdar also made strong oral observations regarding the right of citizens to protest against government policies.

During the hearing, the judge criticized attempts to curb public protests and questioned the action taken against the petitioner.

He orally observed that citizens should not be prevented from organizing protests or expressing disagreement with government decisions.

The Court also remarked that citizens should not be treated as though they are "slaves of the Indian Government" merely for participating in protests.

Bombay High Court Says Opposition to Government Is Not a Ground for Externment

While dictating the final order, Justice Jamdar made it clear that organizing morchas and dharnas against government decisions cannot justify externment under the Maharashtra Police Act.

The Court observed:

"The Petitioner acting in his capacity has arranged Morchas and Dharnas against certain decisions taken by the Government of India. That cannot be a ground for a person to be externed under the Maharashtra Police Act."

The Court further held:

"The action taken is mala fide action."

Articles 19 and 21 Protect Citizens' Rights

Justice Jamdar further stated that the externment action violated the petitioner's constitutional protections.

The Court observed:

"As per the Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India not only citizens have the freedom to express their opinion but also to live with dignity. The action taken by the respondents against the petitioner for merely opposing certain decisions of the Government of India affects his fundamental rights."

According to the Court:

• Article 19 guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

• Article 21 protects the right to life and the right to live with dignity.

The judgment emphasized that peaceful opposition to government decisions enjoys constitutional protection.

Bombay High Court Sets Aside Both Externment Orders

The High Court allowed the writ petition and quashed both externment orders issued against Saeed Ahmad Abdul Wahid Chaudhary.

The Court set aside:

• The externment order dated December 3, 2025, passed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6).

• The appellate order dated March 27, 2026, passed by the Divisional Commissioner, Konkan Division.

As a result, the petitioner was granted relief and the writ petition was disposed of.

Case Details

Case Title: Saeed Ahmad Abdul Wahid Chaudhary vs State of Maharashtra

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 1700 of 2026

Court: Bombay High Court

Judge: Justice Madhav Jamdar