Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022655241000.htm

National

Police order on Raj Thackeray upheld

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: A sessions court here upheld the police order preventing the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray from holding public meetings and addressing the media, but said such a ban could not be indefinite.

The police had issued the order on February 14 after Mr. Thackeray had made statements against the north Indians causing tension and violent incidents in Mumbai. He had challenged the order on the ground that it infringed on his fundamental rights.

But the court struck down a part of the order which said that it was to remain in force till February 25 or “till such time as activities are stopped or got under control.”

Not indefinite

The judge, S.N. Sardesai, said it could not be indefinite but the government could extend the period of the order following the procedure laid down in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Mr. Thackeray was arrested on February 13 on charges of making inflammatory statements and inciting violence against the north Indians living in Maharashtra. He was released on bail soon.