Mah peace: SC dismisses petition challenging Raj prosecution

New Delhi, Jul 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court today dismissed the petition of MNS chief Raj Thackeray challenging a Jharkhand High Court order permitting his prosecution for his inflamatory speeches spreading hatred against north Indians especially Biharis and thereby disturbing communal peace and harmony in Maharashtra.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and M K Sharma told the petitioner to go to a Jamshedpur Court where the case is pending or to the state High Court for seeking exemption from personal appearance.

The complaint in a Jamshedpur Court has been filed by an advocate on the basis of the speech in which Raj Thackeray had said, ''either respect Marathis or be prepared to be slapped.'' The apex court while dismissing his petition made it clear that this is not a case for High Court to interfere under section 482 CrPC.

The apex court also made it clear that in such cases the question of territorial jurisdiction is not relevant and whether Raj Thackeray had intentions to threaten north Indians and also to spread hatred against them are the issues to be decided by the trial court.

Mr Thackeray in his petition has contended that the petition is politically motivated and aimed at getting cheap publicity and the Jamshedpur Court lacks territorial jurisdiction to entertain the complaint filed by the spokesman of RJD in the district.

UNI SC SY RP DS1423