By: Express News ServiceMumbai | November 16, 2025 07:40 AM IST 2 min readA special court on Saturday cancelled a non-bailable warrant against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, in connection with the defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. (File Photo)A special court on Saturday cancelled a non-bailable warrant against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, in connection with the defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, after it was submitted that he has been hospitalised and is serious.The lawyer appearing for Medha filed an application seeking a non-bailable warrant against Raut stating that he and his advocate were absent from the proceedings on Saturday and had also sought adjournments during the previous dates, giving some reasons. “It appears that the appellant (Raut) is causing delay. Hence, issue a non-bailable warrant against the appellant,” said the lawyer representing Medha.However, Raut’s lawyer subsequently appeared before the court. “It is submitted that the appellant is hospitalised and serious. He has sought an adjournment. Considering the reason, application is allowed, NBW stands recalled and cancelled. Adjournment granted,” special judge S R Navander said on Saturday. The court recalled its warrant and adjourned the case to December 11.The court is hearing an appeal filed by Raut against a magistrate court’s order, which had last year convicted him on charges of defaming Medha through statements accusing the Somaiyas of a ‘toilet scam’ in the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The magistrate court had imposed a 15-day imprisonment on Raut, which was suspended immediately to allow him to file an appeal, and he was granted bail.Raut’s appeal states that the magistrate court erred in its order convicting him and did not consider various aspects, including that he was not responsible for the article published in Saamana, which the Somaiyas had referred to in their complaint.Last month, Raut had announced that he will be staying away from public life for the next two months due to some serious health issues. “As per medical advice, I have been instructed to avoid public appearances and gatherings for some time. I regret this deeply. I am confident that I will recover completely and, hopefully, meet you all again in the New Year,” Raut had said in a statement on X.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:bailMumbai court