Mumbai: After 78 years of India’s independence, the country’s population is sufficiently educated and wise to understand self-imposed limitations on speech, the Bombay High Court observed while permitting the Sakal Hindu Samaj to hold a function on Gudi Padwa, March 30, 2025.
The event, scheduled in Malegaon, will honor Sadhvi Pragyasingh Thakur with the “Hindu Veer Puraskar.” Notably, Malegaon was rocked by a bomb blast in 2008, in which Thakur is an accused.
While allowing the event, the HC emphasized that speakers must ensure their statements do not target any religion or hurt religious sentiments. It also imposed restrictions on the event’s timing and mandated that no inflammatory speeches be made.
About The Petition
The petition, filed by Rahul Bachhav, coordinator of Sakal Hindu Samaj, sought permission for the event at Yashshree Compound, Satana Naka, Malegaon, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. However, authorities had denied permission based on a police report warning of potential law and order issues. The police noted that some speakers, including Milind Ekbote, had a history of delivering inflammatory speeches.
The report also highlighted that Gudi Padwa on March 30 would be followed by Ramzan Eid on March 31 and other religious occasions in April, raising concerns about communal harmony. Furthermore, Malegaon’s history of communal tensions and the presence of an accused in the 2008 blasts at the event heightened security concerns.
The court acknowledged India’s progress in the last 78 years and its growing global influence in technology, space exploration, economy, and diplomacy. It emphasized that true wisdom lies in fostering harmony and respecting religious diversity. The principle of “live and let live” should guide society to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The petitioner’s lawyer, Subhash Jha, assured the court that no inflammatory speeches would be delivered. The government pleader insisted that if permission were granted, strict conditions should be imposed to maintain peace. The court also noted that Malegaon had remained peaceful for over 17 years.
Taking all factors into account, the HC directed that the event be held between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm instead of the requested evening hours. It mandated that the organizing committee submit an undertaking to the Additional Superintendent of Police, Malegaon, by 6:00 pm on March 29, ensuring that no speech would incite religious discord.
The court further directed the police to designate a specific route to the venue to avoid congested areas and maintain adequate security. Any violation of the conditions or law would be dealt with strictly. The police were also given the authority to decide on special security charges if required.
Setting aside the administration’s March 25 order denying permission, the court allowed the event under these conditions, restricting its duration to a maximum of four hours.
