Vikas Lawande, the spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), has been granted interim anticipatory bail by a district court in India until May 20, 2026. This decision follows a case registered against him at the Wagholi police station for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the Warkari community. The case involves Sections 196(1)(a), 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Lawande, aged 54, approached the court anticipating arrest and argued that the allegations were false and retaliatory. The Additional District and Sessions Judge S. R. Salunkhe noted that Lawande deserves interim protection, provided he cooperates with the investigation. The court also issued a notice to Wagholi police to respond regarding the extension of his interim protection. Lawande expressed confidence in the judiciary and stated he would fully cooperate with the legal process.