Loudspeaker row: PIL against Bombay HC seeks FIR against Raj Thackeray
The Hindu
Plea seeks direction from court on an FIR under sedition and causing breach of peace and public nuisance
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking a First Information Report (FIR) be registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for holding press conferences and instigating people to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers.
The PIL mentions, Mr. Raj Thackeray held several public meetings where he allegedly gave defamatory speeches against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar which could lead to protests all over the State.
The plea has been filed by social activist Hemant Patil and urges the court for a direction to register an FIR under sedition and causing breach of peace and public nuisance. Mr. Patil also wants the court to restrain Mr. Raj Thackeray from organising any press conference.
He has stated that Mr. Raj Thackeray’s cry to remove all loudspeakers by May 4 failing which Hanuman Chalisa would be played, led to a FIR against him under sections 153 (causing provocation with an intent to cause riot), 116 (abetment of offence) and 117 (abetment of offence committed by more than 10 people) of the Indian Penal Code.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.