The Bombay High Court has sought detailed particulars regarding allegations of hate speech and threats purportedly made by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its chief Raj Thackeray against Hindi-speaking residents in Maharashtra.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekar and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing a petition filed by Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena leader Sunil Shukla. The plea alleges that speeches and statements attributed to Raj Thackeray and MNS members have incited hostility against Hindi-speaking individuals, leading to intimidation and, in some instances, physical attacks.
During the hearing, the Court asked the petitioner to provide concrete instances of the alleged hate speech, including dates, locations and the exact nature of the statements made. The Bench indicated that such specifics would be necessary to examine whether any legal action could be warranted.
The petition claims that after opposing what he described as anti-Hindi rhetoric, Shukla received threats and faced attempts at intimidation. It further alleges that complaints made to the police did not result in the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs). According to the plea, this inaction amounts to a failure to safeguard constitutional rights, including the right to equality and freedom of expression.
Among the reliefs sought are directions for the registration of FIRs against those responsible, police protection for the petitioner and his family, and action against the political party concerned. The plea also calls for intervention to prevent further inflammatory remarks.
The High Court has not expressed any view on the merits of the allegations at this stage. Instead, it has asked for detailed material to substantiate the claims before proceeding further. The matter is expected to be taken up again after the petitioner furnishes the required information.
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