[Defamation Case] BJP's MLA Nitesh Rane Allegedly Remark Against (UBT) Leader Sanjay Raut As A "Snake": Court Issued Non-Bailable Warrant

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The special magistrate, Aarti Kulkarni, issued the warrant against Rane while hearing Raut’s defamation complaint. Rane’s lawyer had filed an application seeking an exemption from personal appearance, but the court rejected it.

[Defamation Case] Mumbai Court Issued Non-Bailable Warrant Against BJP's Nitesh Rane in Sanjay Raut case — [Defamation Case] Mumbai Court Issued Non-Bailable Warrant Against BJP’s Nitesh Rane in Sanjay Raut case

MUMBAI: A Mumbai magistrate court has issued a non-bailable warrant on Tuesday (Aug 6) against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for his continued absence in the proceedings of a defamation case filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

The special magistrate, Aarti Kulkarni, issued the warrant against Rane while hearing Raut’s defamation complaint. Rane’s lawyer had filed an application seeking an exemption from personal appearance, but the court rejected it.

The case dates back to May 2022 when Rane allegedly referred to Raut as a “snake” who would join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by June 10, which is the party’s 25th Foundation Day. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP had dismissed Rane’s claim at the time.

Earlier, in 2023, the Mazgaon Metropolitan Magistrate Court issued a bailable warrant of Rs 15,000 due to Rane’s failure to appear before the court.

Rane, who represents the Kankavli constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly, is the son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane, a former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition.

In November 2023, the magistrate court had issued a bailable warrant against Rane, which was later cancelled in December, and an exemption from appearance was granted. However, when Rane did not appear again on January 30, Raut’s lawyers sought a non-bailable warrant to ensure the BJP MLA’s appearance in court.

Rane subsequently appeared on February 26 and got the warrant cancelled after paying a penalty of Rs 100. He was then released on cash bail of Rs 15,000 with a personal recognisance (PR) bond of Rs 15,000.

Despite this, Rane failed to appear before the court on subsequent dates, leading to the issuance of the non-bailable warrant. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 17.