Bal Thackeray, Editor Samna, Re

Factual and Procedural Background

This opinion concerns a contempt proceeding initiated due to an act by Shri Bal Thackeray. The Court considered affidavits filed by him, including a last affidavit dated 26-10-1995, which was filed pursuant to the Court’s earlier direction in its order dated 17-10-1995. In the affidavits, Shri Bal Thackeray tendered an unconditional apology and expressed regret for the act that led to the initiation of the proceeding, stating that he had realised his mistake and did not intend to cast any aspersion on any member of the Court. Mr Ram Jethmalani, learned counsel for Shri Bal Thackeray, also gave an assurance to this effect on his behalf.

Legal Issues Presented

The opinion addresses a procedural matter and does not frame distinct legal issues.

Arguments of the Parties

The opinion does not contain a detailed account of the parties' legal arguments.

Table of Precedents Cited

No precedents were cited in the provided opinion.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The Court perused the affidavits filed by Shri Bal Thackeray, including the affidavit filed in compliance with the Court’s earlier direction. It noted that he had tendered an unconditional apology and expressed sincere regret, and had further stated that he realised his mistake and did not intend even the remotest aspersion on any member of the Court. The Court also took into account the assurance given by his counsel, Mr Ram Jethmalani, on his behalf. On this basis, the Court concluded that the apology and regret were genuine, accepted the unconditional apology, and accordingly discharged the notices to all respondents.

Holding and Implications

DISPOSED OF: The Court accepted Shri Bal Thackeray’s unconditional apology and discharged the notices to all the respondents; consequently, the contempt petition was disposed of.

The direct effect of the order was the termination of the contempt proceeding against the respondents upon acceptance of the apology. The opinion does not indicate any broader implications or the laying down of any new precedent.