IN connection with a number of petitions challenging the election of Shiv Sena candidates under the Representation of People's Act, party chief Bal Thackeray has been sent notices to show cause why he should not be named a collaborator in corrupt practices. It began with the case of Ramesh Prabhoo, whose election to the Vile Parle assembly constituency in Mum-bai in '87 was challenged by the losing Congress candidate.
A number of criminal cases have been filed against Thackeray relating to his inflammatory speeches and writings, alleging that these provoked the 1992-93 riots. The first among them was a writ petition by noted advocate Atul Setalvad and former journalist Dilip Thakore that was dismissed by the High Court.
The Srikrishna Commission, set up to inquire into the riots, had stated that Thackeray would be summoned to explain his role. It was believed to be one of the reasons for the state government scrapping the Commission early last year.
The previous Congress government filed a case against Thackeray for inciting his party workers to dig up the pitch at Wankhede stadium before a cricket match between India and Pakistan. The criminal case against Thackeray (and 24 others) in connection with the attack on Mahanagar, a local Marathi eveninger, is also pending.
The contempt of court case against Thackeray for remarks against the judiciary, for which he received a suspended jail sentence by a lower court, has been stayed by the Supreme Court. This is not the first time Thackeray has been hauled up for remarks against the judiciary. Three years ago two contempt notices for his anti-judiciary writings, including those against the judge hearing the Bombay blasts cases, came up before the Supreme Court.
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