Melbourne Council’s Indian Origin Mayor Pradeep Tiwari Makes Triumphant Return After Court Fine
- Staff Writer
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
“Dear community, I’m back.” That’s how a Melbourne council’s Indian-origin Mayor Pradeep Tiwari marked his triumphant return to public office this week. This followed a turbulent two months of legal battles, media scrutiny, and backlash that led Maribyrnong City Council Mayor Tiwari to step aside from his mayoral duties in August.
On Monday, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court imposed a $450 fine without conviction against Tiwari for a minor traffic offence — driving with an unrestrained child passenger.
According to court records and Victoria Police, Tiwari was initially charged with three offences: dangerous driving, using a phone while driving, and carrying an unrestrained passenger. By October, two charges were withdrawn, and Tiwari received a $450 fine for the seatbelt breach, with the judge noting this would usually attract only an on-the-spot fine.
The end of the prosecution cleared the way for the Maribyrnong leader to resume his role as mayor. Pradeep Tiwari was appointed as mayor of the City of Maribyrnong in November 2024, marking a historic milestone as Victoria’s first Indian-origin mayor.
Mayor Pradeep Tiwari Slams Media
In a statement posted on social media following the verdict, Tiwari insisted he wanted to “set the record straight” about what he called “disproportionate and misleading” coverage of the case.
“My child is a Houdini and had slipped out from the seat belt,” he wrote.“I sat them on my lap, safely, while driving to a place where I could pull over. The court noted this would normally attract an on-the-spot fine.”
Tiwari accused some media outlets - singling out Channel 9, The Age by name - of false reporting, including claims that he had “evaded” court, describing them as “false and unfair narratives.”
“Prior to that date in August, I had not been made aware of the court listing or charges,” he said. “Even the bench reacted when my barrister pointed out police claimed they couldn’t locate the Mayor of Maribyrnong for service.”
From Controversy To Comeback
The saga began in August when Tiwari announced he would temporarily step down as mayor after being charged with driving offences linked to a June 2023 incident in Flemington — before his council election.
The case began in June 2023, where a driver reported seeing a small child on the mayor’s lap as he travelled at about 80 kilometres/ hour on Melbourne’s CityLink.
Earlier this year, media outlets reported that police had sought a warrant for his arrest after he missed an earlier hearing. His legal team later clarified he had not been notified of the listing and the warrant was swiftly withdrawn.
As coverage of the charges spread, the 39-year-old politician — who runs Bharat Traders, a well-known Indian grocery business in Footscray — was subjected to racist comments online. The first Indian-origin mayor in Victoria’s history, Tiwari spoke out strongly against that abuse.
“It is very difficult for me to understand why the entire Indian community is being mocked and degraded with racist commentary,” he said at the time. “Racism has no place in our society, and I will continue to call it out whenever it appears.”
What’s Next For Mayor Pradeep Tiwari?
With the legal clouds lifted, Tiwari says he wants to redirect focus toward rebuilding trust and continuing his community work in Melbourne’s inner west. “I fully respect the community’s right to hold public figures to account,” he said.“But I will not remain silent while false and unfair narratives are used to damage integrity and trust.”
The City of Maribyrnong Council issued a statement confirming that Tiwari, who represents the Bluestone Ward, had officially returned to his duties under Section 229 of the Local Government Act 2020. Acting Mayor Bernadette Thomas, who had filled in during his absence, will revert to her previous portfolio responsibilities.
“Councillor Pradeep Tiwari stood down on August 25 while legal proceedings were unresolved,” the council said. “These have now been concluded. Council will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Tiwari said he was “thrilled to be back to work representing the Bluestone Ward and the Maribyrnong community.”
“To everyone who has reached out, shown understanding, and supported me through this — thank you,” Mayor Tiwari added. “I remain deeply committed to serving the people of Maribyrnong and our wider city.”
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