Bombay HC Directs State Not To Take Coercive Steps Against Nagpur Resident Tweets Against Maha Govt In Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Case [Read Petition]

The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the State not to take coercive steps against a Nagpur resident named Sameer Thakkar who was booked for offences punishable under Sections 295B, 500, 504 & 505(2) of Indian Penal Code read with Section 67 of Information Technology Act for tweeting against the state government and its functioning regarding the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

Division bench of Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Avinash Gharote of the Nagpur bench was hearing a criminal writ petition filed by Sameet Thakkar, who had previously filed a PIL before the Bombay High Court seeking directions for a CBI probe into the 34-year-old actor's death, which was disposed of as the matter was already before the Supreme Court at that time.

The 32-year-old Thakkar has alleged that the said FIR was filed by a Shiv Sena worker and it is nothing but an attempt to muzzle the right of a citizen to speak and express truth. The Police are coming to my home and harassing my family members, said the businessman.

The petition states-

"The present FIR is a part of multifarious FIR's and complaints lodged by the Shiv Sena Party members and supporters in different jurisdictions, relating to some tweets tweeted by the petitioner completely based on facts regarding the functioning of the Maharashtra Government and its leaders. It is submitted that the present FIR is a part of a well planned, vindictive and malicious campaign launched by the Shiv Sena Party and its members just to muzzle and harass the petitioner for speaking truth about the functioning of the government in Maharashtra and its leaders, particularly the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his son, for their response and silence on vital issues."

After examining the facts of the case, Court issued notice for final disposal of the case to the respondents and said-

"Shri AS Fulzele, learned APP waives notice for respondent Nos.1, 2 and 3. Meanwhile, no coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioner though investigation may proceed, and if completed, chargesheet shall not be filed. Stand over two weeks."

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