Advocate also files case against Nitesh Rane for using ‘Dalit’ nomenclature

A case has been registered against a politician, an editor, and an anchor for using the term 'Dalit' and broadcasting a statement deemed legally banned. Investigations are ongoing.

Navi Mumbai: Amit Katarnaware has also registered a case against MLA Nitesh Rane along with the editor and anchor of ABP Majha at the New Panvel police station. The advocate accused Rane of using the word ‘Dalit’ to refer to MLA Sanjay Shirsat and the channel for broadcasting a word that has been “legally banned”.

Mumbai, India - July 18, 2016: Narayan Rane and Nitesh Rane at Monsoon Assembly in Mumbai, India, on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

During an interview with a Marathi channel, Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) allegedly spat when asked a question about Shirsat. Talking about the incident at a press conference, Rane accused Raut of insulting the scheduled tribe that Shirsat belongs to, but used the “unconstitutional” term ‘Dalit’ himself while referring to it, claimed Katarnaware. “The channel broadcast it so I have registered a case against them as well,” said Katarnaware.

Five years ago, the I&B ministry had advised the media to use the term ‘scheduled caste/tribe’ instead of ‘Dalit’, a move opposed by Dalit groups themselves.

The advocate also alleged that Rane had tried to create hatred between the Hindu and Muslim community while talking about the Trimbakeshwar temple issue. “He is a sitting MLA and is supposed to follow the law but he breaks it instead,” he said. “The Trimbakeshwar issue is in court, and yet Rane made a hate-triggering statement that the Muslim community had first usurped the forts and was now targeting the Trimbakeshwar temple. Again the channel broadcast this when it shouldn’t have.”

Assistant commissioner of police (port) Dhanaji Shirsagar said that the case had been registered and investigations were on. “As of now we have not summoned anyone,” he said.