Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut faced a setback on Monday when the Mumbai Sessions Court dismissed their criminal revision petition in the defamation case filed by former MP Rahul Shewale. The case was registered over an article published in 'Saamana' on December 29, 2022, alleging Shewale's business interests in Pakistan.
Rahul Shewale is now aligned with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction. Manoj Pingle, a lawyer representing Thackeray and Raut, argued on their behalf in court, while lawyer Chitra Salunkhe opposed the petition representing Shewale.
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Special Judge Dismisses Thackeray and Raut's Petition
Special Judge AU Kadam dismissed the criminal revision petition of Thackeray and Raut, stating, "After hearing both sides, this order is passed: The criminal revision petition is dismissed. Inform the Mumbai Metropolitan Magistrate. The record and proceedings should be sent to the trial court immediately."
Summons Issued by Magistrate Court
Uddhav Thackeray and Raut had already been summoned by the Magistrate Court in this case. They challenged this by filing a revision petition. Shewale asserted that the report published in 'Saamana' was baseless and intended to harm his political career and reputation. He called it a "fabricated story" and "without merit."
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Thackeray and Raut Protest in Court
However, Thackeray and Raut dismissed the complaint as false. They cited Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
