HC dismisses contempt petition against Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, Dec 6 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today dismissed the contempt of court case against Maharashtra Navnirmal Sena Chief Raj Thackeray.

The Court accepted the apology tendered by Mr Thackeray, who had allegedly threatened lawyers if they defended the July 11 serial blasts accused.

A division bench comprising Justices B H Marlapalle and J H Bhatia were hearing a petition filed by Indian Association of People's Lawyers (IAPL) and the Committee for the Protection of Democratic Rights (CPDR).

Mr Thackeray had allegedly warned lawyers against defending the accused in the blast case during a meeting on July 16 to condemn the July 11 serial blasts and offer condolences to the victims relatives. Mr Thackeray had said that his party would organise a protest against such lawyers. The petitioners, therefore, felt that such statement amounted to interference in the judicial process and would intimidate lawyers and deter them from appearing for the accused.

UNI ARM KU SK RS2013