Hanuman Chalisa Row: Special Court Issues Notice On Mumbai Police's Plea For Non-Bailable Warrants Against MP Navneet Rana, MLA Ravi Rana

The Special Court on Monday issued notice to MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana on Mumbai police's plea seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against them for alleged breach of bail conditions. The two were booked on April 23 for the offence of sedition over their demand to forcefully chant the Hanuman Chalisa outside the Chief Minister's personal residence. They were granted bail on May 4. On Monday, the prosecution alleged that by speaking to the media and making further allegations against the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackarey, the duo has breached the bail condition which prohibited them from speaking about the case publicly. According to the bail order, on breach of any of its conditions would entail cancellation of bail granted to the accused forthwith, therefore Special Public Prosecutor Pradip Gharat told the court that the police was seeking issuance of an NWB. "Presently the bail granted to the respondents/accused stands automatically cancelled for violation of the condition imposed upon them," the application read. Reading out Rana's statements to the media she is seen challenging the Chief Minister to stand for elections against her and to "show" him the power of women. Also adding that Hanuman Bhakts would teach a lesson. Gharat says this clearly shows that the two had no respect. Therefore, he was seeking an NBW to be directly issued. He added that the two have gone to Delhi and are giving statements to the media there as well. Special Judge RS Rokade then issued notice and posted the matter for further hearing on May 18. On April 23, the duo was booked by the Khar police under IPC Sections 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race etc), and 124A (sedition), besides provisions of the Bombay Police Act for allegedly trying to create a law and order situation by wanting to chant the Hanuman Chalisa outside the CM The duo was granted conditional bail on May 4. "Undoubtedly, the applicants have crossed the lines of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India. However, mere expression of derogatory or objectionable words, may not be a sufficient ground for invoking the provisions contained in section 124A of IPC," Special Judge RS Rokade said in the detailed order copy.

Hanuman Chalisa Row: Special Court Issues Notice On Mumbai Police's Plea For Non-Bailable Warrants Against MP Navneet Rana, MLA Ravi Rana

Sharmeen Hakim

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