New Delhi, July 19: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a directive to the Maharashtra Police to register an FIR against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for allegedly inciting language-based hatred and promoting enmity through his speeches.
The plea, filed by advocate Ghanshyam Dayalu Upadhyay, accuses the MNS founder of making inflammatory remarks targeting Hindi-speaking individuals in a bid to polarize voters ahead of the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The petitioner cited a July 5 rally where Thackeray reportedly justified physical attacks on those who do not speak Marathi, calling for them to be hit “below their eardrums.”
According to the PIL, such statements have emboldened MNS workers, who have allegedly assaulted and intimidated non-Marathi residents, dismantled business establishments, and created an atmosphere of fear for those hailing from other states. The plea argues that Thackeray’s actions violate several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and pose a threat to the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Referring to previous Supreme Court rulings aimed at curbing mob violence and hate speech, the petitioner urged the apex court to direct authorities to act firmly against such rhetoric and prevent further communal or linguistic discord.
The PIL also calls on the Election Commission of India and the Maharashtra State Election Commission to revoke the political recognition of the MNS, and to develop a comprehensive national policy to monitor and curb illegal and divisive activities by political parties.
As the petition awaits hearing, it adds a new layer of legal and political tension to the already volatile language politics in Maharashtra, reigniting the debate on freedom of speech versus hate speech in India’s democratic landscape.
