BJP leader Nitesh Rane's remarks against Rohingyas, Bangladeshis didn't hurt Indian sentiments: Maharashtra govt tells High Court

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that the offence of hurting religious sentiments under the penal code section 295A is not made out against MLAs booked over speeches made during and after communal clashes on Mira Road in Thane district in January.

The police thus submitted that the Indian Penal Code section could not be invoked against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane because his remarks about Rohingyas, Bangladeshis and jehadis, made in a March 10 speech at Ghatkopar, were not against the religious sentiments of any community in India.

Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Manjusha Deshpande were hearing the government view presented by Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegavkar in connection with a plea that sought registration of hate speech FIRs against Rane; Geeta Jain, an independent MLA who supports the BJP; and Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh.

It may be recalled that criminal cases have been registered against BJP MLA Rane for alleged hate speeches in different places of Mumbai - Malwani, Mankhurd, Ghatkopar.

A first information report (FIR) is also registered against MLA Gita Jain for alleged hate speech in Mira Bhayander from January to March this year.