2022 case ‘Delaying trial’: Court rejects exemption pleas by Navneet, Ravi Rana

The court perused records and said that it is seen that Navneet Rana has not appeared before the court since June 2023 and Ravi Rana from November 2023.

Ravi Rana (left) and Navneet Rana (right)

STATING THAT they are delaying the trial by not being present, a special court on Thursday rejected the exemption applications filed by independent lawmaker couple Navneet and Ravi Rana in connection with a case against them for allegedly attempting to cause public disorder by announcing to chant Hanuman Chalisa at the private residence of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in 2022.

The court directed them to remain present on January 19 for framing of charges against them. On Thursday, the couple filed an application before the court for an exemption from appearance stating that they held up in urgent work in their constituency in Amravati.

The court perused records and said that it is seen that Navneet Rana has not appeared before the court since June 2023 and Ravi Rana from November 2023. The court said that from October 2022 to December 2022 also they did not appear before the court.

Story continues below this ad

“Despite directions, the accused failed to appear before this court. It seems that the accused are delaying the trial. It is to be noted here that the accused simply aveered in the application that they are held up in urgent work in the constituency of Amravati. In the backdrop of the vague application, I am of the view that sufficient reasons are not put forth for granting personal exemption,” special judge RN Rokade said, directing them to remain present on January 19.

The couple was arrested on April 23, 2022 and granted bail on May 4, 2022.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram