Ranas' words clearly seditious, say police while opposing bail

The police reply arguing against bail for the MPMLA Ranas cited media bytes allegedly given by the couple between April 20 and April 23 and said the words spoken prove their criticism and comments are neither within reasonable limits nor consistent with the fundamental right of freedom of expression.

- Rebecca Samervel

The plea said it has hence come within the ambit of Section 124A (sedition). "The words by the accused are clearly with an intention to bring into hatred or contempt...against the government...to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of citizens," the reply said.

The prosecution also cited 18 alleged offences registered against Ravi Rana and 7 against Navneet Rana. The court will hear arguments on the plea on Saturday. The Ranas were arrested in the evening of April 23 after protests by Sainiks outside their Khar residence all day.

On Monday, the couple moved sessions court seeking bail through their advocate Rizwan Merchant. Their plea said the announcement to recite Hanuman Chalisa was made to enlist popular support and there was no intention to cause ill will or feelings of hatred.