SC issues notice to Mah on violence against North Indians

New Delhi, Nov 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Maharashtra government on two PILs seeking judicial inquiry into the violence against north Indians by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists led by party chief Raj Thackeray, the alleged fake encounter of Rahul Raj by Mumbai police and the killing of Dharam Dev Rai by MNS activists in a local train.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal issued showcause notices to Vilasrao Deshmukh government after hearing counsels for both the petitioners, who alleged that the state government was colluding with MNS chief Raj Thackeray in violence against North Indians in Maharashtra, particularly against Biharis.

The petitioners are also seeking adequate protection for the lives and properties of North Indians and also demanded the arrest of Raj Thackeray under the National Security Act (NSA).

The petitioners, Sanjeev Kumar Singh and Salek Chand Jain, also demanded the transfer of cases against Raj Thackeray outside Maharashtra.

The petitioners also prayed for central intervention under Article 355 of the Constitution by seeking a report from the state government on the issue of continuing violence against North Indians, and if required, invoke Article 356 to bring the state under President's Rule.

On October 18, North Indian students who had gone to Mumbai to appear in railway department selection test, were subjected to brutal assault by MNS activists while the local police remained a silent spectator.

According to the petitioners, such regional and divisive forces posed a grave threat to the national security and integrity.

Earlier, the apex court had told the petitioners that the situation could be controlled through political will and not through judicial intervention.

UNI SC NY PK HT1308