Today(on 15th April),Bombay High Court stresses peace for Ram Navami rally in Malad-Malwani, emphasizing harmony in Muslim-populated area.
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MUMBAI: Today(on 15th April), The Bombay High Court, through a bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande, has emphasized the need to preserve peace and harmony during the Ram Navami rally, particularly in the Malad-Malwani locality, which houses a sizable Muslim population.
The court’s cautious approach is informed by past incidents of unrest, such as the Mira Road violence in January 2024, and previous riots during last year’s Ram Navami procession in the same vicinity. Directing their comments towards Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf, the bench emphasized the need to alter routes, stating-
“Ensure route modifications. Any law and order issues could result in significant challenges…”
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Dr. Saraf reassured the court, stating-
“The honorable court has requested the highest-ranking officer, and they (police) will fulfill their duties responsibly.”
The courtroom discussion highlighted a broader concern for public safety, acknowledging the judiciary’s inability to outright prohibit public rallies while emphasizing the expectation for immediate and lawful police intervention in case of any legal violations.
“We cannot prohibit any public rally. However, we anticipate that your officers will promptly act in accordance with the law if there is any violation, regardless of political affiliation. In a separate case, we had granted permission (to MLA T Raja Singh) to hold a rally in Maharashtra based on the assurance that there would be no breach. Nevertheless, an FIR had to be filed. If there is any violation of the law, appropriate action should be taken. If they fail to act, then we will instruct the police to submit an affidavit,”
– the court conveyed.
The urgency of the issue was emphasized through a petition submitted by five Mumbai residents, including victims of the Mira Road violence. They claimed that Maharashtra BJP MLAs Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, along with Telangana MLA T Raja Singh, had not faced legal repercussions for allegedly promoting hate speech. Previously, the court had instructed police commissioners to assess video evidence of these speeches and decide on the necessity of filing FIRs.
Advocate General Saraf updated the court on the ongoing review by police commissioners, assuring a decision within a week regarding the necessity of legal action for hate speech. Additionally, the court assigned Saraf the responsibility of personally examining the speeches, emphasizing the importance of concluding any initiated actions definitively.
The court’s direct statement-
“If speakers breach any laws through their statements, necessary action will be taken. Failure by organisers and speakers to exercise restraint will lead to legal repercussions,”
Amid Karim Pathan’s plea citing recurring tensions in Malvani during Ram Navami rallies and past provocations near mosques, the bench emphasized the need for route adjustments as a proactive measure to maintain harmony.
The court adjourns till April 23 for further hearing.
CASE TITLE:
Aftab Siddique v. State of Maharashtra & Ors
