‘Live and let live should be hallmark,’ HC grants conditional nod for Gudhi Padwa event in Malegaon to felicitate Pragya Thakur

Pending disposal of the plea, the petitioner also sought direction that no coercive action can be taken against the organisers of the event.

“After 78 years of the freedom of India, we have every reason to believe that the population of this country is sufficiently educated and wise to understand the self imposed limitations on what to speak and what not to. Wisdom should prevail and the Speakers would also ensure that as they express their thoughts, none of them would be directed against any other religion due to which the members of the other religions would feel hurt.”

It went on to add, “We are of the view that people should act responsibly showing wisdom and patriotism and allow people to profess their religion, customs and worship. Wisdom comes from understanding and harmony arises when we embrace that understanding with kindness and compassion. ‘Live and let live’ should be the hallmark of our character. True peace is found not in mere knowledge, but in the balance of the mind, heart and soul.”

The court said the event can be held for four hours between 7am in the morning and 5pm in the evening and the organisers should give an undertaking to the police ensuring that there would be no untoward incident.

The bench said police shall earmark the route for attendees and ensure that it does not pass any crowded or congested locality. The Nashik police has been further asked to give protection to the event and to decide on whether to levy protection charges on organisers.

Seven accused, including Thakur, are facing trial for the blast at Malegaon town in 2008.

According to organisers, besides Thakur, Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote and president of Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti (Maharashtra) Swami Pragyanand Saraswati are likely to be present for the event. Thakur is to be felicitated with ‘Hindu Veer’ award.

Advocates Subhash Jha, Ashish Saxena and Siddharth Jha claimed that on February 18, the petitioner had requested the police and local administration to grant permission for holding the event on March 30 and despite following up with the authorities, permission was not granted.

Jha argued that organisers were informed that no official communication would be given to them, and if the event is organised without approval, the police would stop the function and would pull down the flex boards, posters, banners etc. put up in different parts of Nashik city, reason why the petitioner had to approach the high court.

Government Pleader Neha Bhide for state government submitted that as per Nashik Police report, some speakers are prone to making inflammatory speeches which are likely to hurt the feelings and sentiments of people belonging to different religions. The report also mentioned that Thakur is an accused in 2008 blast case. “Considering the present situation at Nagpur and the burial ground of Aurangzeb, the law and order situation is likely to be seriously affected by such congregation,” the state submitted.

After hearing submissions, the bench allowed the plea and imposed certain conditions for organising the event on March 30.