67 FIRs registered against seer over alleged derogatory remarks against Islam, Prophet Mohammed
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that approximately 67 FIRs have been registered statewide against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, a Hindu religious leader, because of his alleged derogatory remarks against Islam and Prophet Mohammed at an event in Nashik. They added that the objectionable material containing the alleged derogatory remarks, which was shared online, is being taken down by the cyber crime police.
According to a report in India Today, Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf made this submission while opposing a petition which sought registration of an FIR against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for sharing a stage with Ramgiri Maharaj after FIRs were filed against him.
The petition, filed by advocate Mohammad Wasi Sayed and others, alleges a significant increase in communal incidents since 2014, claiming that "systematic Islamophobic customs are protected by the state and Union governments," leading to mob lynchings, riots, and the ostracism of Muslims.
Advocate Ejaz Naqvi, representing the petitioners, argued that instead of taking action against Ramgiri Maharaj, Shinde chose to share a platform with him, asserting that saints would be protected in the state.
However, Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan noted that petitions regarding the removal of the seer's videos and the registration of FIRs for alleged hate speech are already being heard.
Regarding hate speech, the bench remarked that while they cannot prevent individuals from giving speeches, the police are taking necessary action and registering FIRs.
"Just because they (Eknath Shinde and Ramgiri) are sharing a stage, it does not mean that FIR should be registered. You have to show malafides. If there is a breach, there are FIRs being registered. You (Naqvi) are making the issue political. When you digress from the core issue, then this is what happens. Your core issue is to take down videos,” the bench added, as mentioned by the publication.
Saraf opposed the plea, emphasising that FIRs against Ramgiri Maharaj had already been registered, stating that as of September 19, 67 FIRs were filed. He argued that proceedings cannot be initiated in this manner and urged for the removal of CM's name from the list of respondents in the petition. The bench agreed and warned of imposing costs on the petitioners.
The bench further directed Naqvi to modify his prayers and delete all the respondents except cyber police and local police officials. "Police have a mechanism. They will deal with this," the bench stated.
The bench will further hear the petition on October 17.
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Change in name of state to Keralam, a joyful moment for Malayali brothers: PM Modi
Kochi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the change of name of the state from Kerala to Keralam by the Centre was a joyful moment for Malayali brothers.
The PM was speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, an organisation that works for the welfare of the fishing community in the state.
In his inaugural address, Modi appreciated the role of the fishing community during the 2018 floods in Kerala, lauding their courage, service, and dedication at that time.
He also pointed out that the Dheevara Sabha has been working for fishermen's rights for 50 years.
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Modi said the Centre too has been working for the welfare of the fishing community and has carried out various initiatives to empower them.
He also said that the Union government has taken various measures, including installing over 4,500 satellite-based transponders in fishing boats, to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea.
Modi arrived at the Kochi international airport around 11.30 am and from there travelled by helicopter to the naval base here.
From there, he travelled by road to the Marine Drive for his first event of the day -- the golden jubilee celebrations of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha.
The PM arrived in poll-bound Kerala to take part in a series of programmes here, including the inauguration of the BJP-led NDA's election convention.
