Plea seeks FIR against Eknath Shinde, Rane over anti-Muslim remarks
A Mumbai resident, Mohammad Wasi Sayed, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking the registration of an FIR against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nitesh Rane. The plea accuses them of making anti-Muslim remarks and failing to act against those promoting hate speech and Islamophobia. Advocate Ejaz Naqvi presented Sayed's urgent plea before the court, which has scheduled a hearing for Thursday.
Petition demands action against 'Islamophobic' rally organizers
The petition calls for action against those organizing "Islamophobic" rallies and seeks a complete halt to the live broadcast of Rane's speeches targeting Muslims. It also said that there is a need for senior police officers to be held accountable if they grant permission to Rane or anyone else found guilty of promoting Islamophobia at such events.The plea argues that Shinde and Rane should be jointly held liable by the High Court as "hatemonger, hate speaker, Islamophobic."
Plea seeks disqualification of Shinde and Rane
The petition further suggests that Shinde and Rane could face disqualification and prosecution for violating their oath, the Representation of Peoples Act, and the Constitution of India. It also calls for action against BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala and former party spokesperson Nupur Sharma for allegedly disseminating hateful content against Muslims based on fake news. The plea urges the Centre and states to establish guidelines preventing media outlets from broadcasting hateful content.
Rane's controversial remarks spark outrage
Rane has been at the center of controversy for his inflammatory speeches against the Muslim community. On September 1, he threatened Muslims with "entering your masjid and hunting you down" if Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj was harmed. The seer has been charged with making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
