MNS chief moves court against ban on holding rallies

Mumbai, Feb 21 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray today moved the Sessions Court here challenging the ban imposed by Mumbai Police against holding of rallies, 'morchas', making provacative statements and addressing media.

An order to this effect was issued on February 11 by DCP Vijay Jadhav of the operation wing. The police issued the notice under section 144 (3), restraining MNS leader from participating in any such events for two weeks, with a rider that during the period, if the conduct of Mr Thackeray was not satisfactory, the period of ban will be extended further.

To challenge the order, Advocate Shivaji Naagre, representing Mr Thackeray, moved an application in the Sessions Court, saying the order was violation of the Constitution and the fundamental rights of the citizens. He prayed to the court to quash and set aside the said notice.

The court will hear the arguments on the application tomorrow.

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