Maharashtra government transfers probe into Nitish Ranes' hate speech against Gujaratis to CID

The Bombay High Court was on Thursday informed by the state government that investigation into the alleged hate speech made against Gujaratis by Narayan and Nitesh Rane last year has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

A division bench of justices Anoop Mohta and NM Jamdar was told by advocate Hiten Venegaonkar that the case papers have been handed over to the CID. The court then directed the state to file a status report on the investigation carried out into the matter from here on.

The direction was given during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by social activist Bhagwanji Rayani, who contended that hate speeches was just the beginning and that it may rise to a monstrous proportion for not only one community but other non-Marathi people "living peacefully in this city for centuries".

Spurred on by the maxim 'prevention is better than cure', the petitioner said, the community decided to "nip in the bud such nefarious activities of the Ranes and others, indirectly encouraged by the inaction of state home department".

The petition also said Rayani isn't the only Gujarati who has never praised Modi, that there are crores like him settled in Gujarat and the world over, and hence, it is highly unconstitutional to browbeat, warn or threaten any citizen based on caste, creed or religion.

The PIL added those who praise (Modi) are free to do so as it is their fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution.

It thus prayed that the court set up a special investigation team to investigate the issue, or direct the Central Bureau of Investigation to do it.