The case is to come up for hearing before the Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Nashik on November 16.

Nashik Police Commissioner Ambalal Verma said that while his office was yet to move court for shifting the venue, for security reasons it ``would be better'' if the hearing was held in a safer place.

``So far we have not moved court. But I feel that since the courtroom is small, it will be advisable to shift the venue,'' Verma told The Indian Express.

Verma said he was not aware if Thackeray would be present on Monday for the case. ``We have no specific information on his arrival. Once it is confirmed, we will make the necessary security arrangements,'' he added.

Bhujbal for his part said that though he was not consulted on the issue, his lawyers were informally told ofthe proposal.

Following an alleged defamatory article against him in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna

, Bhujbal had filed a criminal defamation case against Thackeray, executive editor Sanjay Raut and publisher Subhash Desai.

Saamna, quoting an affidavit filed by one Rajendra Agarwal, had alleged that the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was defaced on July 10 last year on Bhujbal's instructions.

Meanwhile, leader of the opposition Madhukar Pichad today urged Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde to enhance the security provided to Bhujbal. ``I have been told that since Thackeray, Raut and Desai are attending the court on Monday, the Shiv Sena has asked its workers to remain present in the court in large numbers. Under these circumstances, I feel that there is threat to the life of Bhujbal,'' Pichad said.