Mon Apr 07 21:33:00 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Petition Accuses Raj Thackeray of Hate Speech, Inciting Violence
**NEW DELHI, April 8, 2025** – A petition filed in the Supreme Court accuses Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray of delivering a hate speech that incited violence against the north Indian community. The petition, filed by Sunil Shukla, national president of Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena, alleges that Thackeray’s Gudi Padwa rally speech on March 30th, 2025, specifically targeted Hindi speakers, leading to violent attacks in Mumbai.
Shukla claims he has faced repeated threats, harassment, and intimidation from MNS members due to his advocacy for the rights of north Indians. He alleges that despite numerous complaints to Maharashtra authorities, including the Chief Minister and police, no action has been taken against the perpetrators. The petition cites a chilling Twitter message threatening Shukla’s murder and an attempt to ransack his party’s office in October 2024 as examples of the ongoing harassment.
The petition contends that the Maharashtra government and police have failed to respond to repeated requests to register criminal cases against MNS members involved in violence and threats. The Supreme Court is now tasked with reviewing the allegations of hate speech and inaction by the state authorities.
First Piper 