A grand Hindu Saints’ Convention in Malegaon on the occasion of Gudhi Padwa, to be attended by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur

Bombay High Court grants conditional permission
Permission granted from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with restrictions imposed

Mumbai – The Bombay High Court has granted conditional permission for the Viraat Hindu Saints’ Convention to be held on 30 March in Malegaon on the occasion of Gudhi Padwa, in the presence of former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. However, keeping in view the issue of law and order, the Court has imposed certain conditions. It is learnt that Sadhvi Pragya will be honoured with the ‘Hinduvīr Award’ during the event.

The Court directed that: “There should be no breach of law and order. No provocative speeches should be made. The event must end by 5 p.m. The organisers must submit a written undertaking to the Police confirming compliance with these conditions.” The event is thus scheduled to be held between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on 30 March following the Court’s approval.

The Court observed that “matters such as these cannot be treated with hypersensitivity. The Court upholds freedom of expression and the motto ‘Live and let live’. Sensitivity should not be exaggerated to the point of extremism. If your neighbour is happy, so are you.”

What is the matter?

On 18 February, the organisers had submitted a request to the Malegaon Tehsildar and the Chhavani Police Station seeking permission to hold the Viraat Hindu Saints’ Convention on 30 March from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. However, on 25 March, the Nashik Executive Magistrate denied permission citing past records of provocative statements by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and other speakers, as per Police reports. Hence, the organisers approached the High Court.