Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 8: A city court on Wednesday imposed a cost of Rs 1,000 on Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde for failing to appear before it in a 2016 assault case, warning that further absence could lead to the issuance of a warrant and cancellation of her bail bond.

Additional sessions judge G G Bhansali noted that the incident took place in 2016 and that a chargesheet was filed in 2017, but charges are yet to be framed. The court is likely to frame charges in the first week of November.

Tawde, a BJP corporator, and two other accused again sought exemption from personal appearance during Wednesday's hearing. Tawde's lawyer, Durga Rajput, said the Mayor had a busy schedule as she had to attend various Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation functions. The other two accused cited their engagements as social workers.

Additional Public Prosecutor Iqbal Solkar opposed the plea, arguing that the case was several years old and that the accused were deliberately avoiding court proceedings.

The court allowed the exemption plea but directed Tawde to deposit Rs 1,000 into the government treasury within one week. The judge also directed all three accused to remain present on November 2 for framing of charges.

The court cautioned that failure to appear on the next date could result in warrants being issued and bail bonds being cancelled. It also observed that the accused could seek permanent exemption from personal appearance after charges are framed.

The case relates to an incident on July 29, 2016, at a BMC-run Urdu-medium school in Vakola. According to the prosecution, Tawde, who was then a corporator, and six others entered the school and had a heated argument with the management over the transfer of a teacher suffering from cancer.

Police alleged that the accused abused the school management during the argument and assaulted two teachers. An FIR was registered on August 11, 2016.