RR Patil: All for Mumbai, but not against the law

MUMBAI: The government wants established names with Bombay changed to Mumbai, but within the legal framework.

Deputy chief minister RR Patil on Tuesday said he was in favour of using ‘Mumbai’ as it had been approved by law and was being used at large. “If the companies and brands are using Bombay as part of the label and have any problem in changing it to the new one, we will try to come out with a solution. The law and judiciary department is looking into the legal hurdles, if any, for companies to switch over,” he said.

The government move follows Shiv Sena’s rampage on Sunday, demanding that schools and merchant establishments with Bombay in the names change to Mumbai.

Patil has, however, warned people against taking the law in their hands. “People trying to browbeat others or doing things unlawfully  will not be tolerated. The government is bound to take stern action against such people,” he said.

Law and judiciary department officials, however, said no Act could stop any establishment from using the noun in their label. “How can any law stop anybody from using its name? It is difficult to establish that the word ‘Bombay’ used in the name is referring to the old name of the city.

As far as its usage in the high court’s name is concerned, only the Centre can amend the High Court Act of 1861,” an official said.

Shiv Sena leader and advocate Adhik Shirodkar said companies having Bombay in its labels should consider the reason behind such violence. Since the name Mumbai has gone well across the globe, companies should not have any problem using it.

g_surendra@dnaindia.net