Date:01/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/01/stories/2008030155331400.htm

National

Gag order to continue

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Friday allowed continuance of the police order forbidding Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray from holding public meetings or making media statements.

Justice A.P. Deshpande set aside the stay on extension of the police order city sessions judge S.N. Sardesai granted on Thursday. Now the order will remain in force till March 3.

The Mumbai police moved the High Court against the sessions court stay. Mr. Thackeray had moved the sessions court challenging the extension of the gag order.

The police prohibited him from holding meetings and making statements after his utterances against north Indians caused tension and violent incidents in Maharashtra.