Plea Filed in SC Against Raj Thackeray Over Provocative Speeches and Violence Against Hindi Speakers

(Judicial Quest News Network)

In a substantial legal development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking action against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, accusing him of inciting violence against Hindi-speaking residents in Maharashtra. The petition, filed by Sunil Shukla, president of the Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena, highlights a disturbing trend of targeted attacks and threats against North Indian communities, allegedly fueled by Thackeray’s inflammatory speeches.

The petitioner alleges that Thackeray’s recent remarks, particularly his speech on March 30th aired on ABP Majha, have incited hostility against non-Marathi speakers. In the controversial address, Thackeray reportedly stated, “If they cannot speak Marathi, they will get a slap on the face. Don’t tell me about the country—every state has its language, and it must be respected. In Mumbai, Marathi should be respected.”

Following the speech, incidents of physical violence against Hindi-speaking individuals were reported in several Mumbai localities, including Powai and Versova. There have been alarming reports of assaults in public spaces like DMart, as well as threats directed at Shukla himself, who claims to have received over 100 anonymous death threats and a Twitter post calling for his murder.

The petition further alleges that MNS activists forcibly entered the office of Shukla’s political party, attempting to ransack the premises. Despite lodging multiple written complaints with Maharashtra’s senior police officials and the Election Commission of India, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and no protection has been provided to Shukla or his party members.

In light of these serious allegations, the petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to:

• Provide immediate security to Shukla and his family.
• Direct the registration of an FIR and initiate a criminal investigation.
• Recommend the de-recognition of the MNS by the Election Commission of India.
• Appoint an independent agency or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an impartial probe.
• Restrain Raj Thackeray from making further provocative and incendiary public statements.

The petition was filed through advocate Sri Ram Parakkat, marking a crucial step in holding political figures accountable for hate speech and the promotion of communal tensions.