Court orders Thackeray to remain physically present for hearing

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) A local court today threatened to issue a Non-Bailable Warrant against Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, if he fails to remain physically present in court for the next hearing on the petition filed against him for publishing provocative articles in his party's mouth-piece 'Samna'.

Metropolitan Magistrate of the Railway Mobile Court (Andheri), Justice M B Datye adjourned, till November 24, the hearing on the petition filed against Mr Thackeray and 'Samna' editor-in-chief, Sanjay Raut, by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Munna Tripathi.

The Magistrate directed Thackeray's advocate to ensure his client's presense on November 24, failing which a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) will be issued against him on that day.

Magistrate Datye also directed Mr Sanjay Raut, who was present in the court, to fill up personal bond of Rs 24,000 and remain present in court on each and every date of the hearing.

Petitioner's advocate Rajesh Dubey submitted that the complaint was filed under section 153(a) of the Indian Penal code (wantonly causing provocation with intent to cause riot).

On June 19, this year, Mr Thackery is alleged to have given a provocative speech in an attempt to promote disharmony and feelings of enimity between Hindus and Muslims at Shamukhananand Hall on the occasion of his Party's Anniversary day.

UNI ST WD VD VV1659