Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray fined

Mumbai, Aug 17: A local court today slapped a fine of Rs 500 upon Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for his failure to appear before the court on a petition filed by NCP leader Munna Tripathi. Mr Tripathi has dragged Mr Thackeray to the court for publishing allegedly provocative articles in ''Saamna'' newspaper on July 21 last year. Publication of such articles could foment hatred between communities, Mr Tripathi contended.

Additional Sessions Judge S J Shah had earlier adjourned the matter thrice as Mr Thackeray did not rurn up for the hearing.

Mr Thackeray failed to appear today also, forcing he judge to impose the fine and adjourned the matter till August 21.

The court had, earlier, issued a non-bailable warrant against Mr Thackeray for not appearing before the court. Mr Thackeray, however, had obtained interim stay on the execution of the warrant from the Sessions Court till June 15 this year. He was, however, required to appear before the court for the final hearing, but did not turn up on the last three occasions.

UNI