Mumbai, Nov 29: A local court today framed charges against the leader of opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Narayan Rane in a defamation case filed against him by the government for allegedly defaming Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal even as the accused pleaded not guilty. The charges were framed by sessions judge Abhay Thipsay who read them out to the accused. The matter has been adjourned to January 9 for cross examination of Bhujbal.
Rane pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was represented by defence lawyer Rajendra Shirodkar.
Rane is accused of alleging in a section of the media that "Ramtek", the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister, had become a den of ISI agents.
Bhujbal alleged that this statement was defamatory and his image in the eyes of public had been damaged. The office of the Deputy Chief Minister had been lowered in the society, he said.
Earlier, the court had rejected his plea for discharge. Rane had pleaded that the aggrieved person was Bhujbal and the sanction to prosecute him (Rane) had been accorded by the Chief Minister. He said only the governor and not the Chief Minister was the proper authority to accord the sanction.
As the court rejected his plea, Rane moved Mumbai High Court which upheld the lower court order. Being aggrieved, he moved the Supreme Court which turned down Rane's petition. Bureau Report