Mumbai: Advocate Sayali Sawant, representing Shri Dhananjay Munde, has issued a press statement clarifying media reports regarding a recent court order passed by the 71st Magistrate Court, Mumbai, on February 4, 2025. The order pertains to a case filed by Ms. Karuna Sharma under the Domestic Violence Act, 2022 (Case No. C.C. NO. 218/DV/2022), seeking monthly maintenance from Munde.
According to the statement, at the interim stage, the court has directed Munde to pay ₹1,25,000 per month to Applicant No.1 (Karuna Sharma) and ₹75,000 per month to Applicant No.3 (one of their children). However, the court has not made any finding of domestic violence against Munde.
Financial Considerations, Not Violence Allegations
Advocate Sayali Sawant emphasized that the court’s order for maintenance was based purely on financial considerations and the needs of the applicants, rather than any allegations of wrongdoing.
Quoting Paragraph 25 of the court’s order, the statement reads:
“Considering the basic needs of Applicant No.1 and No.3, their income, and the lifestyle of the Respondent, I am of the opinion that they are entitled to maintenance under Section 20 of the Domestic Violence Act.”
Sawant further clarified that there is no adverse finding against her client, and the order does not establish any act of domestic violence. She stated that Munde had previously admitted to a past live-in relationship with Ms. Sharma and their children, which formed the basis for the financial maintenance order.
Appeal for Responsible Reporting
In her statement, Sawant urged the media to exercise “responsible and accurate reporting” and to avoid spreading misleading or false narratives about the court’s decision. She advised journalists to seek clarifications before publishing any reports.
This clarification comes amidst speculation and reports suggesting that Munde was found guilty of domestic violence, which his legal team has categorically denied.
The full order dated February 4, 2025, has been enclosed with the press statement for reference.
