Legal Notice Against MNS for Forcing Marathi Language
IIn a sharp legal response, a Bombay High Court advocate has issued a legal notice against MNS workers. This came after a recent incident where a security guard was assaulted for not speaking Marathi. Additionally, the notice was sent to Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla and Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Language Cannot Be Enforced Through Threats
While acknowledging Marathi as Maharashtra’s official language, Advocate Abid Abbas Sayyed emphasized a crucial point. No individual or group, he said, can impose a language by using fear or threats. Furthermore, he stated that every Indian citizen has the right to communicate in any constitutionally approved language.
Previous Incidents Add to Rising Tensions
Moreover, this is not an isolated incident. According to the notice, similar events occurred in Thane and Pune. In each case, MNS workers reportedly harassed people who could not speak Marathi.
Earlier in March, MNS members allegedly attacked a D-Mart employee in Versova. Again, the reason was the same—language enforcement. As a result, public tension around the issue has been escalating.
Mi Marathi Campaign Sparks Backlash
The controversy intensified after MNS chief Raj Thackeray launched the “Mi Marathi” (I am Marathi) campaign on Gudi Padwa, March 30. During the launch, he urged his supporters to slap anyone refusing to speak Marathi. Consequently, this bold statement triggered backlash from the public and political circles alike.
Eventually, under pressure from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray told his party members to stop using aggressive tactics.
Legal Action Demanded Within 7 Days
In conclusion, the notice strongly condemned these actions as unlawful and unconstitutional. Sayyed has demanded immediate action within seven days. Otherwise, he will escalate the issue to the Bombay High Court. There, he plans to seek judicial intervention, police accountability, and legal safeguards for public institutions.
“Such acts clearly violate fundamental rights,” Sayyed remarked. “They disrupt peace and democratic values.”