The Mumbai sessions court on Monday upheld gag order of the police against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray prohibiting him from holding rallies and addressing media, but said it can not be indefinite.
The gag order was issued on February 14 following Raj's statements against north Indian migrants that had led to violence in the metropolis and parts of Maharashtra.
Issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Singh [Images] Jadhav, the order was to expire on Monday.
Raj had challenged the order on the ground that it was an infringement on his fundamental rights.
The court said the state government was at liberty to extend the order by following the procedure prescribed in the Criminal Procedure Code.
The court, however, struck down the part of the order, which said it was to remain in force till February 25 or 'till such time as such activities are stopped or got under control.'
The court said the order can not be for an indefinite period.
Raj was arrested on February 13 on charges of making inflammatory statements and inciting violence against north Indian migrants in the state. He was released on bail the same day.
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