PIL seeking action against Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, Feb 8 (UNI) A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court today, urging the court to take appropriate action against Raj Thackeray and deregister his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for making inflammatory speeches against North Indians and inciting violence.

Sanjay Singh, who owns a construction business in the city, filed the PIL, saying that statements issued by MNS chief and subsequent assault by MNS workers on some North Indians in Mumbai and other parts of the state had not only substantialy affected peace and tranquility in Maharashtra but also in some North Indian states.

Mr Singh has alleged that Raj had made all the controversial statements in a calculated manner, only to gain political mileage.

He has further contended that the controversial speeches of the MNS chief were creating enmity between two groups-- Maharashtrians and North Indians.

The PIL alleges that there was complete inaction on part of state government and Mumbai Police and they have acted as mute spectators to the scenes of violence. It further alleged that though FIRs have been filed and action taken against some MNS workers no action has been taken against the MNS chief.

He has urged the court, through the PIL, to direct the CBI or some other independent agency to investigate into the episode. He has also sought deregisteration of MNS as a political party and till then restrain its chief Raj Thackeray from issuing any statements and holding meetings.

The PIL is expected to come up for hearing on Monday before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice J P Devdhar.

UNI XR OBB VD RAI2009