Mumbai court issues bailable warrant against Nitesh Rane in defamation case

A magistrate’s court in Mumbai on Saturday issued a bailable warrant against Maharashtra cabinet minister and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for failing to appear in defamation proceedings initiated by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

Raut filed the defamation case in 2023, alleging that Rane, in a speech, referred to him as a “snake” who would abandon Uddhav Thackeray and join the Nationalist Congress Party by June 10, 2023 — the party’s 25th foundation day. Both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP had rejected Rane’s claim at the time, following which Raut proceeded with the complaint.

Rane, who currently serves as Minister for Ports Development, has been required to appear before the court to record his statement but has repeatedly failed to do so.

Earlier, two bailable warrants and one non-bailable warrant had been issued against him, which were later cancelled.

During the latest hearing, Raut’s counsel, advocate Manoj Pingale, argued that the matter involves a Member of Parliament and a Member of the Legislative Assembly and should be expedited in line with Supreme Court guidelines.

The court noted that Rane had remained absent on multiple dates. While he has been represented by legal counsel, the magistrate observed that his personal presence is necessary to record his statement.

Accordingly, the court issued a bailable warrant and posted the matter for hearing on June 10, when Rane is expected to appear.

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