Vandalism by political parties under HC scanner

The letter also highlights Section 51 of the Bombay Police (Amendment) Act,2008,whereby it is the duty of the Collector to enquire into the quantum of damage caused by hoodlums.

Division bench of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice D Y Chandrachud questioned the state on why no action is being taken even after violence and destruction of property is being shown in the media. “Give us one case where proceedings have been initiated,” Chief Justice Kumar asked the state.

“Show us in how many cases has the Collector initiated proceedings and recovered costs,” Chief Justice Kumar added. The court even cautioned that it will direct the Collector to pay for the damages from his own pocket.

The court has now sought a reply and adjourned the case for four weeks. According to the letter,on January 21 the Inter Continental Hotel at Sahar airport was attacked by members of Shiv Sena,led by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut,because 28 temporary employees of that hotel had been sacked. On January 22,the supporters of Narayan Rane ransacked the office of Marathi daily Navakal in the wake of an editorial that had criticised their leader.

In the first week of February,MNS workers attacked a beauty parlour as it was allegedly involved in flesh trade.