Maharashtra Political Row Intensifies After Aaditya Thackeray’s Legal Reply (Images: Pintrest)
Mumbai, September 23: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has rejected a Rs 500 crore defamation notice issued by Satish Salian, father of late celebrity manager Disha Salian, calling the allegations “frivolous” and legally unsustainable. Through his Supreme Court advocate Anshuman Sinha, Thackeray denied the allegations made against him and stated that he has never met or known Disha Salian.
The legal dispute began after Satish Salian issued a notice dated September 17, 2026, alleging that Thackeray’s English and Marathi posts on social media platform X, published on September 16, 2026, contained defamatory references. The notice reportedly sought Rs 500 crore in damages, along with a public apology and withdrawal of the posts.
Thackeray’s legal team rejected these demands and maintained that the posts did not mention or identify Satish Salian.
In his response, Thackeray’s counsel argued that the compensation claim lacked a legal basis and did not provide details of any specific financial loss. The reply described the demand as 'false, legally misconceived and arbitrary', arguing that a legal claim cannot be created by linking a person’s name to general comments about an ongoing political and media debate.
The controversy is connected to the wider legal and political discussions surrounding the death of Disha Salian. Thackeray’s response referred to previous police records and court proceedings, including the FIR registered at Malvani Police Station and observations from the Dindoshi Sessions Court.
His legal team argued that earlier records contained different claims regarding the circumstances surrounding her death and alleged that political figures were being targeted through rumours.
Thackeray also referred to the Bombay High Court-directed CBI investigation, stating that the probe did not record any adverse findings against him or any individual. His counsel maintained that no person should be treated as an accused unless supported by evidence collected during investigation.
Thackeray rejected demands for an apology, withdrawal of social media posts or compensation payment. His legal team advised Satish Salian to withdraw the notice within seven days and stated that any further legal action based on what it termed “fabricated interpretations” would be contested in court.
