Mumbai: A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking action against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its president, Raj Thackeray, for allegedly delivering hate speech against outsiders in Mumbai for refusing to speak Marathi.
The plea has been filed by Sunil Shukla, national president of the Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena, who is the leader of a political party focused on the welfare of North Indian residents in Maharashtra and advocates for the rights of North Indians.
About The Case
According to Bar and Bench, the plea states that there have been repeated instances of hate speech, targeted violence, and serious threats to the life and liberty of the North Indian community in Maharashtra. In particular, the plea has highlighted an inflammatory speech delivered by Thackeray during a Gudi Padwa rally on March 30, which was broadcast on ABP Maza.
The speech allegedly encouraged attacks on non-Marathi speakers working in public-facing roles such as malls and banks. “In our Mumbai, they tell us that they cannot speak Marathi… they will get a slap on the face. Don’t tell me about the country and all. Every state has its language, and it must be respected. In Mumbai, Marathi should be respected,” Thackeray said.
Shukla has alleged that following the speech, incidents of physical violence were reported in areas like Powai and Versova. He has also claimed to have personally received over 100 anonymous death threats and a Twitter post calling for his murder. Around 30 persons affiliated with MNS also barged into the office of the petitioner’s political party and attempted to ransack the same, it has been alleged.
Despite multiple written complaints to Maharashtra’s chief minister, senior police officials, and the Election Commission of India, Shukla alleges that no FIRs have been filed and no protection has been granted to him or his party members. The petition was filed through advocate Sriram Parakkat.
