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.
