HC asks Govt to deal more sternly with Raj

The Bombay High Court expresses its unhappiness with Maharashtra Govt's response to Raj Thackeray and his MNS threatening shopkeepers not having Marathi signboards.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday expressed its unhappiness with Maharashtra government's response to Raj Thackeray and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena threatening shopkeepers not having Marathi signboards and asked the authorities to deal with him more sternly.

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In July this year, MNS had issued letters to shopkeepers, under Raj's signature, warning that if they did not put up Marathi signboards, they would be taught a lesson.

Referring to this, a division bench of Justice J N Patel and Justice K K Tated on Thrsday said "terrorists send e-mails before the blasts. These people are sending letters."

Government lawyer had a tough time explaining to the court why no action was taken against Raj for these letters.

"If you don't have political will, then give that message to the people that we cannot do anything," said Justice Patel.

"Why no action has been taken against respondent number six (Raj Thackeray)?....Are some people 'untouchable' for you?" Justice Patel said.

Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association had moved the court in the wake of Raj's letter. The court then directed the state to ensure that law and order was maintained and asked government to take action regarding the letters.

But on Thursday, the affidavit filed by Joint Commissioner of Police K L Prasad said the letters had been referred to the law and judiciary department and its opinion was awaited.

The affidavit of principal home secretary Ajit Parasnis too said that the issue was "under scrutiny".

Not happy with these replies, the court asked the government to file a proper Action Taken Report by October 16.