Non bailable warrant against Raj stayed

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed execution of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued by a court in Ranchi court against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for the alleged “hate campaign” launched by him against north Indians.

A bench of Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam exempted Thackeray from his personal appearance in the Ranchi court.

Thackeray had moved the apex court seeking transfer of the various cases filed against him in the courts of Bihar and Jharkhand by several individuals for his alleged remarks that had provoked attacks on north Indians in Maharashtra.

The Jharkhand police had also registered criminal cases against him in connection with the alleged provocative speeches.

Thackeray sought transfer of these cases outside Bihar and Jharkhand to ensure a free and fair trial.

MNS chief’s lawyer UU Lalit said the trials could be conducted in any part of the country except Bihar and Jharkhand.