Today, On 23rd April,The state initiated FIRs against MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane for purported hate speeches, as reported by the Bombay High Court. Allegedly, these speeches sparked controversy and prompted legal action. The move highlights growing scrutiny on inflammatory rhetoric by public figures. The Bombay HC’s involvement highlights the legal ramifications surrounding such statements.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Police, in a recent development presented to the Bombay High Court, highlighted the contentious nature of the speeches delivered by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figures Nitesh Rana and Geeta Jain amidst the Mira Road turmoil in January 2024, labeling them as not only offensive but also warranting criminal prosecution.
This information came to light during proceedings overseen by Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande.
Read Also:Mira Road Violence|| Petition Filed in Bombay HC Against BJP MLAs Over “Hate Speech”
Previously, the High Court tasked the Police Commissioners of Mumbai and Mira-Bhayander and Vasai-Virar (MBVV) with personally scrutinizing video recordings of the aforementioned leaders’ addresses, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding potential legal actions.
The court’s attention drawn to this matter via a petition submitted by five Mumbai residents, two of whom were victims of the Mira Road unrest. They raised concerns over the absence of police action against Maharashtra BJP MLAs Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, as well as Telangana MLA T Raja Singh, for their purportedly incendiary speeches. Notably, an FIR already been lodged against Singh.
The FIRs filed under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups based on religion, etc.), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke), 506 (criminal intimidation), and other pertinent provisions.
The court indicated that based on the speech transcripts, certain offenses seemed to have been committed at first glance. To maintain fairness and prevent political influence, the court directed the police commissioners to personally review the videos and transcripts of the speeches. The petition outlined multiple instances where purported hate speeches resulted in unrest and violence across different areas, such as Mira Road, Govandi, and Ghatkopar. It contends that these speeches have the potential to incite more violence and disturb the forthcoming elections.
Read Also:Bombay HC Directs Police: Ensure Peaceful Ram Navami Rallies, Change Mosque Routes
In a prior hearing, the Court further enlisted the expertise of Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf to personally review the speeches and provide guidance to law enforcement if necessary.
Moreover, the High Court, during proceedings on April 15, emphasized the imperative for the police to maintain law and order during the upcoming Ram Navami rally in the Malad-Malwani locality, particularly given its significant Muslim population.
As a proactive measure, the Court recommended reconfiguring rally routes to mitigate the risk of violence, particularly in proximity to mosques.