Defamation case against Thackeray transferred to Mumbai

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has transferred the defamation case filed by NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal against Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray to Mumbai from Nashik.

Bhujbal filed a defamation case against Thackeray following the Sena supremo's tirade against him in a 'Samana' editorial in 1997 in the wake of police firing on Dalit mob at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Mumbai.

Bhujbal filed a criminal case of defamation in Nashik.  Thackeray then moved Bombay High Court urging that considering his advanced age, the case be transferred to a Mumbai court.

On Thursday Justice Abhay Oka granted Thackeray's plea, as Bhujbal's lawyers did not raise any objection to the transfer.

However, contrary to what Bhujbal's lawyer had claimed earlier, he had not withdrawn the case yet. Last week Bhujbal's lawyer had asked for adjournment, saying that the case might be settled outside the court.