Delhi HC summons Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut in defamation case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued summons to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aditya Thackeray, and senior party leader Sanjay Raut in a defamation case brought by Eknath Shinde faction leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Ramesh Shewale.

Rahul Shewale, the plaintiff, claims that Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut made baseless accusations of corruption against the Shiv Sena and its members.

Raut along with Thackeray camp alleged that Eknath Shinde faction bought the Shiv Sena symbol for Rs 2000 crore.

The Justice Prateek Jalan Bench heard the defamation case brought by Rahul Shewale against the three leaders.

After hearing Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, who appeared for the plaintiff, the Court admitted the suit and issued summons to Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray, and Aditya Thackeray, directing them to answer all material questions. The Court has also directed defendants to file responses to interim applications.

While the plaintiff’s lawyer sought a court direction to pass an injunction order to restrain Raut and others from making any further defamatory allegations, the Court said that an order would be passed only after having heard the responses of the parties.

The matter is now posted for hearing under interim relief on 17 April, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Court observed that, as far as the institutions are concerned, the Election Commission’s shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this. Like the courts, people say all kinds of things about them.