Setting the stage for trial, a Delhi court on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) ordered framing of charges under the stringent MCOCA provisions against gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and 19 others, saying there was a prima facie case against them.

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma ordered framing charges against Mr. Bishnoi and others under Sections 3 (organised crime) and 4 (holding unaccountable wealth on behalf of a member of an organised crime syndicate) of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.

Some other accused persons were also ordered to be charged under the provisions of the Arms Act and the Explosives Act.