Bombay HC Ends 2009 Public Property Damage Case Against Raj Thackeray
New Reprieve for MNS Leader
In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court in Aurangabad dismissed a 2009 case against MNS chief Raj Thackeray. The case involved charges of mischief, unlawful assembly, damaging public property, and other offenses. The case originated from an alleged rioting incident on October 21-22, 2008, in Parli, Beed district of Maharashtra.
Chargesheet Shows Thackeray’s Non-participation
Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Sanjay Deshmukh, in a March 21 order released on Friday, noted that the chargesheet indicated Thackeray did not participate in the unlawful assembly. The High Court also highlighted that Thackeray did not throw stones at the bus, causing mischief or damaging public property.
Abetment Allegations Against Thackeray
The prosecution concentrated on the offense of abetment against Thackeray. However, the High Court clarified that actual mischief or damage to public property could not be solely based on abetment. The court emphasized that Thackeray’s speech did not contain specific instructions to party workers or followers to damage public property.
Thackeray’s Absence at the Scene
The High Court determined that Thackeray’s absence from the scene would make a trial a ‘misuse’ of the legal process. As a result, the court dismissed the case against Thackeray.
- Bombay High Court dismisses 2009 public property damage abetment case against Raj Thackeray
- Chargesheet indicates Thackeray’s non-involvement in unlawful assembly
- Abetment allegations against Thackeray lack specific instructions to cause damage
- Thackeray’s non-attendance at the scene makes trial a ‘misuse’ of legal process
