The Supreme Court on Monday asked petitioner to approach the Bombay High Court instead of seeking direct relief from the apex court in a case accusing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray of hate speech and inciting violence against north Indians.
Sunil Shukla, president of the Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena, had approached the top court with serious allegations, that Raj Thackeray’s provocative remarks had led to targeted attacks on Hindi-speaking citizens, particularly in Mumbai.
But the bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, had a pointed question: “Is the Bombay High Court on vacation?” The remark prompted Shukla’s lawyer to withdraw the petition. The court, without commenting on the merits of the case, allowed the withdrawal, giving the petitioner liberty to move the High Court.
Shukla’s plea painted a troubling picture. He claimed that since raising his voice for the rights of north Indians in Maharashtra, he had been subjected to constant threats, harassment and even physical intimidation by MNS workers.
One major flashpoint, according to the petition, was the Gudi Padwa rally held on March 30. There, Raj Thackeray allegedly made a fiery speech that stoked hostility towards those speaking Hindi. The aftermath, Shukla alleged, was immediate and violent attacks broke out at various locations in Mumbai, including Powai and the D-Mart outlet in Versova.
Shukla also cited an alarming number of anonymous threats over a hundred phone calls and even a chilling message on social media that incited his murder. Matters escalated on October 6, 2024, when a group of around 30 MNS-affiliated individuals reportedly tried to ransack his party office.
Despite sending multiple written complaints to the Maharashtra Government and Police, Shukla says no FIR has been filed to date.
