Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted a week's interim protection to film actor Nana Patekar [Images] by restraining police from arresting him in an assault case.

The HC directed him to approach the sessions court for anticipatory bail.

Hearing Patekar's plea, Justice R S Mohite directed the actor to present himself before the police station at Deonar, Mumbai, on Thursday, where the case has been registered.

The actor apprehended arrest in a complaint filed by businessman Utkarsh Morarka. Patekar moved Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered against him for allegedly threatening Morarka with his gun near Vashi on the city outskirts on May 12.

Morarka had an argument with the actor over a minor accident that occurred on the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd link road in north-east Mumbai on May 12.

Later, when the two vehicles stopped at Vashi toll gate, Patekar first abused Morarka, hit him on face, then allegedly brandished his gun and threatened to kill him, according to the complaint filed by the businessman.

Patekar later filed a counter complaint with Pune police against Morarka alleging that it was the businessman who had threatened to kill him.