SC refuses urgent hearing of MNS-derecognition plead

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today refused to grant urgent hearing to a petition seeking derecognition of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), headed by Raj Thackeray, for launching a tirade against North Indians living in Maharashtra.

A bench comprising Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran told the petitioner Arvind Shukla that there was no urgency in the matter and it was coming up for hearing on February 22.

The petitioner had demanded appropriate legal action against Thackeray for making inflammatory speeches leading to violence against North Indians , particularly those from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The petitioner had also sought directions to the Election Commission to withdraw recognition of the MNS. Shukla has also prayed to the court to direct the Centre to intervene and ensure safety of North Indians living in Maharashtra.

UNI AKS/SC RSA RR KP1355