Pune-based Advocate Aceem Sarowde, long portraying himself as a social worker and public interest lawyer, appears increasingly to be serving political interests rather than genuine social causes. His recent activities and public positioning reveal a clear tilt toward the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), raising serious doubts about his neutrality and intent.
The turning point came during the Maha Rashtra political crisis before the Supreme Court when Advocate Sarowde filed an intervention application in the dispute between the Shiv Sena (Shinde) and Shiv Sena (Thackeray) groups. When questioned by the then Chief Justice Shri. Chandrachud, about for whom he represented, Sarowde claimed he appeared “for the Voters ?” The Court thereafter refused to entertain his plea to make any submission, observing that such permission would open the door for endless interventions from every political group.
Undeterred, Advocate Sarowde even stated that he wished to assist Senior Advocate Shri Sibal and his client—the Thackeray faction— and even to assist Seniorv Advocate Sanghvi, prompting the Chief Justice to remarked that such assistance would not be accpepted by those Seniors in the Court of him. Thus, his actual role in the case was minimal and unofficial, though later exaggerated in public discourse.
Following the suspension of his sanad by the Bar Council Mr. Sarowde and his social media supporters launched a campaign portraying him as a victim of political revenge. However, the facts suggest otherwise. His suspension stems from professional accountability issues, not political persecution as the Council passed reasoned order to suspend for non practicing.
Advocate Sarowde’s conduct illustrates how some individuals use the guise of social work to pursue hidden political agendas. Instead of unbiased public service like many does, his activities increasingly resemble partisan advocacy designed to promote one political ideology while misleading the public under the banner of “social reform.”
True social work transcends party politics. It serves people—not factions. When political branding replaces neutrality, activism turns into performance—and the public must question whether such figures truly stand for justice or merely for personal and political publicity.
We the public of this State earnestly request to the Social Media, kindly do not glorify such kind of Activism of any Advocates, who does not have true spirit of helping the public at large who are in distress.
For Public Interest by Ad. Anil Bugde, High Court, Bombay.
