Uddhav, Raut seek discharge in defamation case filed by Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader

Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT), have submitted a discharge application in a local court, seeking dismissal of a defamation case filed against them by Rahul Shewale, an MP representing the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Shewale alleges that defamatory articles about him were published in ‘Saamana,’ the mouthpiece of Sena (UBT). Thackeray, the chief editor of ‘Saamana,’ and Raut, its executive editor, maintain their innocence and claim they’ve been falsely implicated. The plea argues that the allegations lack evidence and are “absolutely vague and improbable.” The case has been adjourned for a hearing on October 16. Shewale’s complaint invokes IPC sections 500 (punishment for defamation) and 501 (printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory) and objects to articles published on December 29, 2022, with headlines implying that he has business interests in Karachi. Shewale refutes these allegations, deeming them an attempt to damage his reputation and political career through false accusations. He characterizes the articles as “vendetta journalism” and devoid of merit.