Bombay High Court issues notices to Raj Thackeray

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday issued notices to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray, Registrar of the High Court and state government on a contempt petition filed by a city lawyer against the MNS leader for allegedly defaming the judiciary.

The notices were issued by Justice BR Gavai who has kept the matter for hearing on August 3. The petition said that Raj had allegedly referred to a Bombay High Court decision as "partisan".

Lawyer Ejaz Naqvi had earlier moved an application before Advocate General DJ Khambata who recently allowed initiation of contempt proceedings against Raj. Under the Contempt of Court Act, the approval of Advocate General to initiate contempt action is mandatory.

The Bombay HC issued notices to Raj Thackeray, Registrar of the HC and state government on a contempt petition against the MNS leader for allegedly defaming the judiciary.

On February 5, the Bombay High Court had rejected the petition filed by the MNS which sought to hold a political rally at Shivaji Park, in central Mumbai. The court had rejected the petition on the ground that the venue fell under the silence zone.

Naqvi in the contempt petition has alleged that Raj in his speech had referred to the decision of the Bombay High court as "partisan".

"The aforesaid remark scandalises the high court and tends to lower its authority and dignity. The remark cast an unwarranted aspersion of partiality against the Bombay high court", the petition said.

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