Court dismisses criminal defamation case against Rane

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) A local court today disposed of a criminal defamation case filed by Samjawadi Party leader Abu Azmi against Revenue Minister Narayan Rane.

Mr Azmi had accused Mr Rane of making defamatory statements against him in the year 2000 after he (Mr Azmi) had been discharged by the Supreme Court from the 1993 serial bomb blast case.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S Y Shishode dismissed the case following ''non-appearance'' of the complainant on five occasions despite the court's directive.

Mr Rane's counsel Adv Rajendra Shirodakar said that on the last occasion, the court had directed Mr Azmi to present himself before the court for recording his evidence. However, Mr Azmi failed to appear before the court today following which the court dismissed the case.

UNI ST MAZ RA KN2058