Ram Navami violence: Accused moves Bombay HC, seeks quashing of FIR and probe by judicial panel

Merchant is accused in a case related to a communal incident during the Ram Navami procession in Malvani, Malad, and was booked under various offences punishable under sections 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) among others.

According to Mumbai police, who apprehended several persons in connection with the incident, a fight allegedly broke out after some people in a mosque asked to stop the music in the procession passing by. Later it escalated with slippers and water bottles being thrown by both sides before police brought the situation under control.

In his plea filed through advocate Milan Desai, Merchant sought direction to constitute a Judicial Commission headed by a former HC judge to probe the events leading to the incident.

Merchant sought that “unfair tactics and malpractices adopted and the irregularities and illegalities committed by the respondent officials of the Malwani police station and sought the panel be directed to submit its report to the High Court.

Merchant further urged that on receiving report from the judicial panel, the court shall direct appropriate authorities to take stern action against erring persons.

The petitioner also sought direction to officials of Malwani police station to not file a final report in connection with FIR registered against him.

“There is not even a remote allegation to the effect that the petitioner has anything to do with the complainant being allegedly obstructed and / or assaulted,” the plea said.

“The respondents have illegally registered a false, frivolous and vexatious complaint against the petitioner,” the plea claimed.

The High Court is likely to hear the plea on June 5.