Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Kalyan Court Acquits Thackeray, Shinde in 17-Year Defamation Case
A court in Kalyan decided a defamation case that had lasted nearly 17 years.
The case involved a video shown during an election campaign in 2009.
Vasant Davkhare said the video was changed and used to hurt his reputation.
The Shiv Sena disagreed and said the video was genuine.
Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, Anand Paranjpe and Ramakant Deolekar were accused.
More than 20 witnesses gave evidence during the trial.
The court acquitted all four accused.
Lawyers for Thackeray and Paranjpe said the evidence did not prove the allegations.
A Kalyan court acquitted Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and two others in a 17-year-old defamation case.
The case arose from a video shown during the 2009 Kalyan Lok Sabha election campaign.
Late NCP leader Vasant Davkhare alleged the video was doctored to damage his reputation.
The court examined evidence from more than 20 witnesses before issuing its verdict.
The accused included Shiv Sena candidate Anand Paranjpe and meeting organiser Ramakant Deolekar.
- Who
- Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, Anand Paranjpe and Ramakant Deolekar were acquitted; Vasant Davkhare was the complainant.
- What
- A Kalyan court ended a defamation case connected to a 2009 election video by acquitting all four accused.
- When
- The verdict was delivered on September 23, 2026, after proceedings lasting nearly 17 years.
- Where
- The case was heard in Kalyan and concerned the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.
- Why
- Davkhare alleged that a video shown at an election meeting was doctored and intended to damage his reputation.
Prosecution and Davkhare's Allegation
Defense and Shiv Sena Position
Nature of the video
Prosecution and Davkhare's Allegation
Vasant Davkhare alleged that the video shown at an election meeting was doctored and intended to malign him.
Defense and Shiv Sena Position
The Shiv Sena disputed the allegation and maintained that the video was authentic.
Strength of the evidence
Prosecution and Davkhare's Allegation
The complaint claimed the video damaged Davkhare's reputation during the election campaign.
Defense and Shiv Sena Position
Defense lawyers said the evidence and witness statements did not provide a sufficient basis to prove the allegations.
- Verdict
- All four accused were acquitted.
- Court
- Kalyan court
- Case duration
- Nearly 17 years
- Original dispute
- A video shown during the 2009 Lok Sabha election campaign
- Complainant
- Late NCP leader Vasant Davkhare
- Trial evidence
- More than 20 witnesses were examined.
- Davkhare's death
- He died in 2018, while the criminal proceedings continued.