A magistrate’s court in Thane district has directed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to appear before it in connection with a defamation complaint filed by the late Nationalist Congress Party leader Vasant Davkhare. The court has summoned Mr. Thackeray for August 5 and Mr. Shinde for August 6 to record their statements under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The case dates back to the 2009 Lok Sabha elections when Mr. Thackeray, then executive president of the undivided Shiv Sena, addressed a rally in Dombivali in support of the party’s candidate Anand Paranjpe. During the public meeting, a video featuring Davkhare was screened. The footage showed the NCP leader telling his party workers to win the election at any cost and not to be intimidated by police or election officials.
Davkhare had contended that the video was doctored and edited with the intention of damaging his reputation ahead of the polls. The Shiv Sena had maintained that the footage was authentic and had filed a complaint with election authorities seeking action against Davkhare.
The court official said the proceedings under Section 313 of the CrPC allow the judge to question the accused directly. This provision enables the accused to explain the evidence presented against them and ensures the principle of fairness in judicial proceedings, the official added.
The complaint was filed 17 years ago by Davkhare, who has since passed away. The court’s decision to summon both political leaders marks a development in the long-pending legal matter originating from the electoral contest in the Kalyan constituency.
The magistrate’s court has issued the directives as part of the ongoing trial proceedings. Both Mr. Thackeray and Mr. Shinde are required to present themselves on the specified dates to record their statements before the court.
Published – July 31, 2026 08:05 am IST
