A plea filed seeking action against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Nitesh Rane over alleged anti-Muslim remarks. The petition requests the court to direct authorities to take action against organizers of “Islamophobic” rallies and to halt the live broadcast of Nitesh Rane’s rallies and speeches targeting the Muslim community. The petition raises concerns over the promotion of communal hatred and urges immediate intervention.
Mumbai: A resident of Mumbai approached the Bombay High Court with a petition requesting the registration of an FIR against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, accusing them of making anti-Muslim statements and failing to act against individuals promoting hate speech and Islamophobia.
Advocate Ejaz Naqvi, representing Bandra resident Mohammad Wasi Sayed, mentioned the plea during an urgent hearing request, with the court scheduling the matter for Thursday.
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The petition calls for action against the organizers of “Islamophobic” rallies and urges authorities to halt the live broadcasts of Rane’s rallies and speeches targeting the Muslim community.
A petition filed in the Bombay High Court stresses the need for senior police officers to be held accountable if BJP MLA Nitesh Rane or others identified as “habitual Islamophobic” are granted permission to hold rallies.
The plea also argues that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Rane should be jointly recognized as “hatemongers, hate speakers, and Islamophobic,” and should “face disqualification and prosecution” for violating their oath of office, the Representation of Peoples Act, and the Constitution of India.
The petition further seeks action against BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala and former party spokesperson Nupur Sharma for allegedly spreading hateful content and Islamophobic posts based on false information. It calls for the Centre and state governments to establish guidelines preventing media outlets from broadcasting hate-filled content and urges cyber police to remove such material from social media.
The controversy surrounding Nitesh Rane escalated earlier this month after his inflammatory speeches targeting the Muslim community. During an event on September 1, Rane threatened to “enter your masjid and hunt you down” if any harm came to Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who is facing charges for making derogatory remarks about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.