‘Ranas’ speech had no tendency to subvert govt by violent means’

In his detailed order granting bail to MP Navneet Rana and her MLA-husband Ravi Rana in the Matoshree-Hanuman Chalisa case, special judge R N Rokade said at this stage, prima facie, the charge of sedition is not made out against them.

- Rebecca.Samervel

Mumbai: “The provisions would apply only when the written and spoken words have the tendency or intention of creating disorder or disturbance of public peace by resorting to violence,” he said.

The court said the announcement made by the Ranas neither had the tendency of subverting the government by violent means nor had the effect of creating hatred, disaffection or contempt for it.

The Ranas were booked and arrested by Khar police on April 23 for alleged offences of sedition and breach of harmony for declaring their intention to chant the Hanuman Chalisa outside Matoshree, the private residence of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.