Bombay HC seeks specific details of hate speech, threats by MNS and Raj Thackeray against Hindi speakers

The Bombay High Court on Thursday sought details of alleged incidents of hate speech against non-Hindi speakers by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and party workers, on a plea seeking the registration of a criminal case over such incidents [Sunil Shukla v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].

The petition, filed by Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena National President Sunil Shukla, claims that he has been targeted for opposing what he calls an “anti‑North Indian” campaign in Maharashtra. 

The plea was listed before Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad on Thursday, who adjourned the plea after seeking more details about the alleged incidents from Shukla.

In his plea, Shukla has cited incidents from 2024–25, including an alleged attempt by around 30 MNS‑linked persons to ransack his party office and online posts explicitly threatening to eliminate or kill him.

As per the petition, the threats escalated after his TV appearances and after he moved the Supreme Court against MNS and its chief, before withdrawing that plea. 

The plea says the hostility stems from Raj Thackeray’s speeches, especially a Gudi Padwa rally where Hindi‑speaking staff in banks, malls and other places were allegedly targeted for not speaking Marathi, and were later assaulted.

Shukla has claimed that he has sent multiple complaints and emails to the Chief Minister, Director General of Police, Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Election Commission, Governor, Union Home Minister and senior police officers, but no FIR has been registered and no protection has been given. 

Such inaction violates his fundamental rights under the Constitution of India, it has been contended.

He has also alleged violation of provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Shukla has sought directions for the registration of FIRs and a criminal investigation against Raj Thackeray and those issuing threats. 

He has also asked the Court to order immediate police protection for him and his family. 

He has further sought directions to the Election Commission to consider action against MNS, including the derecognition of the party, and to restrain Thackeray from making further “provocative or inciteful” public statements while the case is pending.

Advocates Sriram Parakkat, Anandhu S Nair, Maneesha Sunil Kumar and Sunil Singh appeared for Shukla.