PIL in Bombay High Court seeks registration of sedition case against Raj Thackeray

A public interest litigation has been filed before Bombay High Court seeking registration of sedition case against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for holding press conferences and urging public to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers [Hemant Patil v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].The plea by RTI activist Hemant Patil raised grievance against various public meetings held by Thackeray wherein he allegedly gave defamatory speeches against Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar. Patil stated the statements could lead to protests all over Maharashtra at the instance of NCP workers, which may lead to breach of peace in society. .Thackeray had also announced during a public meeting in Aurangabad that loud speakers in various mosques have to be removed before May 4, failing which his party workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers outside such mosques till they are removed. .Patil apprised through the petition that the Aurangabad police even registered an FIR against Thackeray booking him under Section 153 (causing provocation with an intent to cause riot), Section 116 (abetment of offence) and 117 (abetment of offence committed by more than 10 people) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Even the Home Minister commented that Thackeray's speech on removal of loudspeakers was aimed at "creating a divide in the society" and hinted at initiating action against him. .Thackeray meanwhile started to implement the program of playing Hanuman Chalisa due to which there was breach of peace and rioting had started in various parts of the State, the plea submitted. "Due to the said fact by the words spoken (by Thackeray), signs or by visible representation or otherwise brings, attempts to bring in hatred between Hindu and Muslim community at the instance of Thackeray," the petition filed through advocate RN Kachave alleged.Despite the same, no offence of sedition under Section 124A of the IPC was registered against Thackeray, Patil contended. In light of the same, the petitioner had also addressed a representation to the Commissioner and Senior Inspector of Mumbai Police but no action has been taken yet, it was pointed out. .Patil, therefore, sought the following reliefs: registration of FIR against Thackeray for committing offence of sedition and causing breach of peace and public nuisance; restrain Thackeray from organising press conferences on the issue of playing Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers.