Lawyers' group seeks AG's consent to sue Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, July 31 (UNI) A lawyers' group has sought Maharashtra Advocate General Ravi Kadam's consent to initiate proceedings under the Contempt of Court Act against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

The group has taken strong exception to Mr Thackeray's reported threats to lawyers if they represented the accused in the 7/11 serial train blasts cases. Mr Thackeray had allegedly issued the threat during a meeting on July 16, held to condole the deaths of the blast victims.

Indian Association of People's Lawyers Suresh Rajeshwar has petitioned the Advocate General seeking the latter's consent to proceed against Mr Thackeray.

Mr Rajeshwar, in his petition, has said that such threats from Mr Thackeray could result in a situation where lawyers may not dare to represent the blast accused and, thereby, deprive them of a fair trial and choice of legal representation, both of which are Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

The petitioner's counsel Mahrukh Adenwala, in the letter to the Advocate General, has said, ''These statements interfere with the administration of justice and tend to lower the authority of the court in the eyes of the public.'' These statements have come at a time when the atmosphere is charged with emotions and passions against those responsible for the blasts, the letter states.

The statements made by Raj Thackeray portray that the courts are not in a position to award justice, the letter said. The accused will be denied a fair trial and the role of the judiciary is being interfered with, according to the petitioner.

UNI ARM-XR MAZ RL KN2017