‘Slap Uddhav’ remark case: Court upholds legal validity of Union Minister Narayan Rane’s arrest

Mumbai: A first class judicial court in Mahad in Konkan region during the court proceeding here on Wednesday held that the arrest of Union Minister Narayan Rane in the case pertaining to the 'slap slur' against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, by the Maharashtra Police was "justified" and directed him not to repeat it.

In a detailed order which was made available to the media here on Wednesday the court while remanding Rane to Magisterial Custodial Remand till September 4, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) S S Patil observed, "considering the reason of arrest and reasons discussed above (in the order), I found that arrest is justified”.

The court also held that there are grounds in the Criminal Procedure Code when "a police officer can arrest anybody without a warrant".

The JMFC's ruling effectively punctures the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders' allegations targeting the Maha Vikas Aghadi government for the 'illegal arrest' and dark warnings that it could lead to repercussions.

Rane has not denied the ('slap slur') offence against the Chief Minister made out by the police and now has been advised by his lawyers not to make such statements in public, but was not prepared to give any written undertaking to the effect before the court.

The JMFC further held that all the offences, cognisable and non-cognisable, registered against Rane are triable by the court.

"Offences under Sections 153-A(1)(b),(c) and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code are non-bailable, but not punishable by imprisonment for life or death. The offences are punishable which may extend up to three years imprisonment. Rest of the offences (189, 504, 506 of IPC) are bailable," said JMFC Patil.

Citing grounds for rejecting police custodial interrogation, the court said that Rane made the alleged ('slap slur') statements before the police and the media, it was viral on social media, and his lawyers have also now advised him to refrain from making such utterances in public.

Later the court granted bail of Rs 15,000 to Rane, ordered him not to tamper with evidence, threaten or induce any witnesses or the police, report to the Alibaug Police on August 30 and the second Monday of September.

The JMFC Patil further ordered Rane to cooperate with the police investigations, to provide his voice samples if required for the case investigation but the police must give him seven days' prior notice. (UNI)