Special court rejects plea by Narayan Rane questioning summons in defamation case filed by Sanjay Raut
The detailed order of the special court designated for trials of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs is yet to be made available.
The case is related to comments allegedly made by Rane at the Konkan festival in Bhandup area of Mumbai on January 15, 2023. Raut had filed a complaint stating that the comments about his political career were defamatory. On April 23, 2025, a magistrate court issued summons against Rane, stating that there is a prima facie case showing that the comments which were published in the media had caused harm to the reputation of Raut.
Challenging this order, Rane had argued that the magistrate court order was illegal and passed without application of judicial mind. It said the allegations against him are vague and no proof was given about any damage caused by his alleged statements. It was also submitted that no evidence is present to show that he intended to defame Raut.
He further said the two are well-known political personalities, with a long-standing political rivalry, having publicly criticised each other on multiple occasions in the past. He further said the remarks were part of an ongoing political discourse and were made in good faith. Mere hurt feelings or political criticism or personal annoyance are not sufficient in law, Rane's plea seeking dismissal of the case, said.
Raut through his lawyers Prakash Shetty and Sarthak Shetty had submitted that there was proof that the remarks were defamatory and the magistrate court order had considered it while passing the order.
Special Judge S R Navander dismissed the plea.
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