SHRC asks Raj not to make inflammatory speeches

Mumbai, Apr 30 (UNI) The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) today directed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray not to make an inflammatory speech during his May 3 rally at Shivaji Park here.

Commission member Shritij Vyas, on a petition filed by a non-governmental organisation, asked Mr Thackeray to respect the Constitution and refrain from making provocative speeches.

Raj Thackeray's counsel Samir Nagare assured the commission that his client will not make inflammatory speeches and will hold the rally with due respect to the Constitution of India.

Earlier, the Commission had issued summons to Mr Thackeray to clarify his stand regarding the allegations levelled against him by the NGO. Mr Nagare, in an affidavit, said the SHRC does not have jurisdiction to issue summons to a private person and can summon only a public servant. Further, Mr Nagare said in the affidavit that Raj Thackeray's petition is pending in the Bombay High Court praying that the First Information Report (FIR) filed against him be quashed.

While referring to the recent attack on North Indians by alleged MNS activists, The NGO, in its petition, has alleged that the state government had failed to carry out its obligation of protecting the laws within the territory of India.

Targeting and attacking the migrants from North India is a violation of Article 15 of Constitution as it prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, the NGO has said in its petition.

UNI ST DB/MAZ RL PM1415