**Bombay High Court Questions Maintainability of PIL Against Raj Thackeray**
*Mumbai:* The Bombay High Court on Monday questioned the maintainability of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a city-based lawyer seeking registration of an FIR against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for allegedly assaulting citizens for not speaking in Marathi.
**About the PIL**
The PIL was filed by advocate Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who has sought registration of an FIR against Raj Thackeray and his party workers for repeatedly targeting non-Marathi-speaking citizens, especially those from North India.
Upadhyay’s advocate, Subhash Jha, argued that the political party often targets non-Marathi-speaking citizens ahead of elections. Citing a Supreme Court judgement, Jha submitted that the apex court has clearly stated that the state must ensure violence by political parties and their workers does not occur, and such acts should be dealt with firmly.
“We have written to the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commission to de-recognize the political party,” Jha said. He added that the instances cited in the PIL are not isolated but rampant, particularly with civic elections on the horizon.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad remarked that affected persons could approach the court directly and questioned, “Why a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?”
To this, Jha responded, “It affects a large number of people. How can anyone be targeted for their language?” When asked about steps taken, Jha mentioned that complaints had been sent to the Deputy Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police.
The bench stated that they would need to hear the matter in detail, as they had reservations regarding the maintainability of the PIL.
**Background: Earlier Proceedings in the Supreme Court**
Earlier, Upadhyay had filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking withdrawal of recognition granted to the MNS, alleging that the party routinely engages in acts threatening national unity. The PIL cited a rally held on July 5, where Raj Thackeray allegedly incited violence by suggesting that those who do not speak Marathi should be “hit below their eardrums.”
Thackeray was also reported to have mocked Hindi-speaking states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan by saying, “If Hindi couldn’t solve the economic problems of those states, how will its imposition solve Maharashtra’s issues?”
The Supreme Court, however, asked Upadhyay to approach the High Court with his grievance. Consequently, he filed the PIL in the Bombay High Court.
The matter will now be heard in due course.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-questions-pil-against-mns-chief-raj-thackeray-advises-affected-citizens-to-approach-court