Will not allow Balkanisation of India, SC to Raj

A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice, called Raj Thackeray's comments a 'dangerous tendency'.

The Supreme Court on Friday took a serious note of the controversial remarks of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray relating to north Indians and warned that Balkanisation of country would not be allowed.

“We can understand what is happening. We will not allow/permit Balkanisation of this country,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.

Expressing displeasure over Thackeray’s statements that allegedly resulted in violence and attacks against north Indians in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, the Bench said “it is a dangerous tendency.”

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“This is one country and we will not accept son of soil theory,” the bench, also comprising Justices R V Ravindran and Markandey Katju, observed.

The bench, however, refused to pass any direction on two PILs relating to the issue saying since the matter primarily relates to law and order situation, it could be brought to the notice of the state government and petitioners could approach the Bombay High Court.

“It is not possible for this court to give a direction on law and order situation,” the Bench said and also declined to accept the contention that a direction was required to the Election Commission to derecognise MNS as a political party in view of the statements of Thackeray.

“You have to make a representation before the Election Commission for derecognising a political party. How can this court issue mandamus when you have not gone to the EC,” the Bench said.