Monday 19 November 2012

Letter to Maharashtra CM


To,
The Chief Minister
Maharashtra
Dear Chief Minister,
                I am forwarding an email I have received stating that a woman in Maharashtra has been arrested for protesting on Facebook against the shut down in Mumbai on the occasion of the death of Mr. Bal Thackeray. It is alleged that she has been arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

To my mind it is absurd to say that protesting against a bandh hurts religious sentiments. Under Article 19(1)(a) of our Constitution freedom of speech is a guaranteed fundamental right . We are living in a democracy, not a fascist dictatorship. In fact this arrest itself appears to be a criminal act since under sections 341 and 342 it is a crime to wrongfully arrest or wrongfully confine someone who has committed no crime.

Hence if the facts reported are correct, I request you to immediately order the suspension, arrest, chargesheeting and criminal prosecution of the police personnel (however high they may be) who ordered as well as implemented the arrest of that woman, failing which I will deem it that you as Chief Minister are unable to run the state in a democratic manner as envisaged by the Constitution to which you have taken oath, and then the legal consequences will follow.

 Regards
 Justice Katju
(Chairman, Press Council of India, and former Judge, Supreme Court of India)

514 comments:

  1. Man, you are brave.

    happy to hear about the Bhils and a fascist mob, religious feelings???????

    Robert

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  2. Respect.

    Hope things will change.

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  3. good job Justice! proud of you.

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  4. OUTRAGEOUS! HOW CAN THE POLICE BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER. DONT THEY KNOW THE LAW?

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  5. Shame on Mumbai Police...and the Maharashtra Govt..

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  6. Dear Sir,

    May request you to educate us on such kind of arrests for acts in internet and also request your opinion about Information Technology Act as most of the commoners believe that Act is against constitution.

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  7. This is an outrage. We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship. Everyone has the right to voice their opinions. The CM should sort this out!

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  8. Thank you kind judge for doing what is right.

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  9. Great Job Sir,

    Thanks a Lot on Behalf of all Social site users in Our Great Country.

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  10. Agree...time & again democracy in the country is abused for expression of very fundamental rights, examples of arrest of citizens like Aseem Trivedi and the woman who posted her opinion on facebook are stains on what we call a free India(?).
    Utter ridiculous.

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  11. BIG THANKS....just for the effort...only judiciary can save India now..

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  12. shame on you Mumbai police..and you did a great job sir

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  13. Sir i wish we could have a CM like you. Thanks for making them understand on their language.

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  14. Thank you... For protecting freedom of expression

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  15. No u are interfering with running of state.. if girl wasn't arrested she wouldve been raped by Sainiks

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    Replies
    1. So arrest whoever is in danger of getting raped? Wow!!

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    2. I think putting the Sainiks in Jail would have made more sense than arresting the women, Jon, wouldn't you say?

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    3. @Jon - I don't understand your point. please explain.

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    4. We should probably consider putting behind bars all ladies then, given the increase in such events lately ? What wonderful sense there :-)

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    5. are u out of your mind, tomorrow if some body tries to rape your sister or mother or wife, what will u tell them - "why the hell did you went in front of those people???"
      Or you would go out and punish those culprits????

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    6. Probably he would ask for them to be arrested to save them from the rapists. Crazy

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    7. @Manik. He would say "Why the hell didn't you go to jail?" :P

      But seriously, I don't know if Jon is pro or anti SS

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    8. Janta, Jon was sarcastic when he said that..

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    9. @Jon.. I wish to god that you were being sarcastic there.. is not then obviously that is how you should run a state.. By not punishing the culprits but by arresting the victim.(This is sarcasm) I think you need to study the workings of a state for your own knowledge.

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  16. Best of comments.The police has arrested Amit trivedi a few days ago for a cartoon.In a democracy we have the right to speech and write and police cant restrict our right.India is not under emergency not dictatorship or army rule is imposed.If any one is hurt by any comment he can take shelter of court individually by filing case in peoper court of law.Police cant act on mere FIR.The right to freedom of speech cant be violated.The 66A of IT act is still under judicial scrutiny as it infringes the fundamental rights of the indian constitution.

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  17. If the country had 100 more Katjus, it would have been the best place in the world. Respect sir.

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  18. if they registered case with the reason for FB comment then girl's can get support from every side. if they have registered the case with another reason purposely then it has to be dealt cleverly. but there should be no other arrests like this.

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  19. Hope common sense prevails here your honour

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  20. The arrest of the girl because of her comments on Face Book reminds me of George Orwell's famous novel "Nineteen Eighty Four" where the phrase "Big Brother is watching you" had become very famous phrase .... The action of arrest smacks of total dictatorship in a so called democratic country. It is really a shame that we call ourselves as the biggest democracy in the world.

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  21. We request Justice Katju to file a writ in SC against rule 66A of IT act as it is infringing the fundamental rights under indian constitution.

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  22. This is beyond awesome! Great that we have people calmly conveying logical views.

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  23. So happy to hear that there is still humanity left around..

    Priyanka

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  24. Kudos, Sir! We need more like you! Keep up the good work!

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  25. Free india, should be like "free" india from these politicians
    Biggest democracy, should be read as biggest "demo" of "crazy" people....

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  26. Also the mob has supposedly vandalized the hospital belonging to the lady's uncle. The perpetrators should also be booked for vandalism immediately.

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  27. Thank you. You are setting a model that can be followed by one and all.

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  28. When Rudyard Kipling's fame as a writer was at its height , there was a talk that every word of Kipiling 's was worth one pound. So ,a person,just to mock at Kipling ,sent a letter and one pound ,and asked Kipling to send a worthy word for this one pound as he was poor and could not afford to buy a book of his. "THANKS" came the reply from Kipling .
    Like Kipling's ,our Honourable Justice's each word is worth one pound

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  29. When former Justices have to take matters into their own hands at educating the Ministers and police personnel (who, from the face of it, looks like didn't know the law they were supposed to uphold when they took an oath to do so), it is a really shameful day for the Democratic Republic of India.

    Has this letter been posted, Justice Katju? We'd also love to read a response if you get any. If not, we'll exercise our RTI.

    Thanks a lot, again, Justice, for shining a bright light on the democratic path of India. I have always upheld the Supreme Court of India in utmost regard, and you have given me a chance to brag about it among my international friends, among a lot of other things.

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    Replies
    1. I am wondering what legal authority does a former justice of Supreme Court has over CM of a state. I am happy that Judge stood against stupid politicians, but I want to know how can he affect the government at this stage. I know even a little effort without power also counts, but what I am interested is in actual legal power and matter. Can anybody enlighten me?

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    2. The letter has been written as a citizen of India, who enjoys the right to information, and has a fundamental duty to question anything that his government does, while expecting answers.
      Our country's constitution is not very old, and it is extremely fascinating to see people actually understanding it, and using it in the sense it was meant to be used, when it was written and amended.
      Your question is highly valid in this context. What Justice Katju has done, could have been done by any citizen of India. Except it wasn't. Why? Because Justice Katju is special. Special in the sense that he has spent his life practicing law, and understands EXACTLY how everything works (although at times, he would have found himself helpless like most of the other citizens of India who feel helpless even though they might have the power to do something about it).
      What also works in this case is that he is a former Justice of the highest court of law in India, so anybody who has a responsibility to write a response to him knows he cannot just jerk him around like he can do anybody else with lesser legal knowledge. This is essentially similar to the two women having a legal counsel by their side.
      I salute the justice system of India, and maybe this is a little test for it to prove itself.

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  30. Which type Of democracy is this in economic capital Of India, I think Shivsainiks do not have any kind of respect of constitution.

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  31. Thank you Sir , for letting us know the right laws prevailing

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  32. शुक्रिया, काटजू साहब! पुलिस के अविवेक और मनमानेपन के इस तरह के मामले लगातार सामने आ रहे हैं और इसके खिलाफ सख्त रवैया अपनाया जाना जरूरी है। आपसे यही उम्मीद थी!

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  33. Absolute mockery of democracy. Embarrassing act by the police.

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  34. Dear Justice Katju Sir,

    Bravo, bravo! Crisp & blunt letter - well written. Thank you for defending the hapless girl. The online generation needs more good people like you as they vent their opinions openly and with little refrain. Please also train your juniors well.

    Congratulations!

    kind regards,
    dv

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  35. I am very very very glad that you wrote this letter. If we can't have our own views on anything, then no one has the right to say that India is a free country. Thank you so much for voicing this out :)

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  36. what kind of state r we living sir. what kind of law is this.?

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  37. Oohh Well Done Mr. former Judge, Supreme Court of India.. You are so brave to take this action against the CM of Maharashtra

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  38. First of all sir i would like to thank you for steeping up in this matter. We are all disturbed with this kind of arrests and harassment, it's a shame to your great nation.

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  39. We, educated secular people of the country, are with u Mr. Katju, people like you make us proud, this NEEDED TO BE DONE ...thank you !!!

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  40. Sir, I salute you sir. You are really roaring.....

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  41. I salute you sir..Jai Hind.!!!!

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  42. Respect. I wish we have more people like you..

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  43. Amazing! Fight the power!

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  44. for accidnet death only two years jail where what is written with inthe ambit of fundamental right 3 years jail as per IT act 66-A whose brain child this atrocious law

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  45. सामयिक पहल के लिए न्याय मूर्ती काटजू साहब को धन्यवाद।

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    Replies
    1. VERY VERY THANKS TO HONORABLE JUDGE KATAJU, BUT GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO CARE TO SHARE COMMENTS LOOKING TOWARDS SITUATION AND SENTIMENTS

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  46. All animals are equal in the Animal Farm but some are more equal than others

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    1. Which animal are you supposed to be?

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    2. More equal?
      I guess you are one of the more equal ones, then?

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    3. The funny part is animals vandalized a hospital and are free while a human was jailed.

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  47. If government doesn't takes any action please take it to the court and make it an example. Enough is enough!

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  48. Kudos to you sir for this....

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  49. And we should also promptly get rid of this bullshit about respecting the 'religious sentiments' of people.

    That's a highway to hell too.

    Why do people's religious sentiments get 'hurt' so easily?

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  50. Hats off to U Sir!!!

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  51. Brave intervention..

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  52. Rather than mere lamenting, writing such a letter make people to act (or) not to act like this in future. We are proud of you, Sir.

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  53. well done sir,it can do only a justice soul

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  54. would love to know the effects of this letter..

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  55. way to go sir.

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  56. great job sir,we salute you.

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  57. nice to see this 1 by justice. Ikm failing to understand same things have been happening here in our state Kashmir. But nobody ever had guts to say against it.. Those who had guts ,were ending up in jails ,prisons n then sexual harrased..God save us

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  58. Hail, your honour. Nothing short of how you put it on your letter would have sufficed. We are with you sir. India is with you!

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  59. when will this tyranny end? or should we just mobilise a civil war against the archaic n defunct laws in India? Am not asking for IAC or AK or AH to respond to this

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  60. State of Affairs in India is real Sad...

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  61. Man like Mr. Katju reinstate my faith in Indian democracy. You, sir, are a hero.

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  62. It is the same clause under which political leaders are arrested in riots. Law is same for politician and common people. Our constitution grants freedom of speech but there is provision to file suit against defamation. Freedom of speech should not mean slandering someone and law provides protection against provocative comments. So what is wrong in action?

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    1. Right and Bal thackeray was arrested only once because he just made a provocative, inflammatory comment only once in his entire life. Grow up!

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    2. Exactly.. Balasaheb was arrested and later declared not guilty.He was arrested on mere suspicion of provoking religious sentiment. So why can't person be arrested on mere suspicion? You should understand who needs to grow up!

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    3. Correct, if people do not control the comments and are not stopped at that time then the what happened before 1947 will repeat!!! Strict law and order is required... The religious sentiment here is "Lakhs of People loved Late Shri Balasaheb Thackeray and wanted to see him the last time, is that wrong?? considering the population who respected and loved him, it was a right action by Mumbai Police for "Bandh" to avoid the traffic and delays in the final rites. Would there not be traffic, chaos??? if there was no "Bandh". Come on guys think out of the box... what you speak is not from heart but are words from the air!!!!

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    4. Anonymous, just like you shouldn't be arrested for necessarily hurting everybody's sentiments here, the women shouldn't have been arrested either. This is free speech, which happened AFTER 1950.

      By the way, please explain to me what "happened" before 1947, that shouldn't happen again? A revolution for our fundamental rights?

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  63. Hope this is real and not just some stupid fake letter

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  64. A bit off topic, but 'Hurt religious sentiments' does not give anyone a right to physically attack anyone. People's sentiment get hurt on a daily basis for various reasons. We do not expect that it would be acceptable to people start attacking each other based on emotional outbursts. Its only when the sentiments are of 'religious nature', we do not expect the same amount of of self control and civil behavior, and think that somehow violence as a reaction is justified. That's primitive and we should rethink about that and form a more civilized society.

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  65. A bow to you sir. God bless you!

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  66. many people like Justice Markandey Katju are came and gone !!!

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    1. Everybody comes and goes. Are you here forever silly ?
      Its the efforts that we make in this lifetime.
      While you take pride in your ignorance, Justice Katju is doing what he can to preserve the democratic soul of our democracy.

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  67. Faith in India restored by Justice Katju!

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  68. Police are just puppets of Politicians.. Its the politicians who should be blamed for everything. Infact the chief minister should act immediately in this case...

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  69. we Republic of India need more like justice katju so we make a big power and defeat all these those type of fanatic group of peoples.

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  70. Wait. The comment is trunketed. I am not in favour of the arrest made by MH Police however the grounds on which they have arrested because she compared Thackeray with bhagat singh & Rajguru according to available info on internet. The comment published is ""People like Thackeray areborn anddie daily andone should not observe abandh for that. Weshould remember Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev two martyrs of India's
    independence struggle.'."

    dunno if thats all or she had commented anything further.

    i had to dig internet to find this comment.

    here is the link:

    www.yahoo.com/w/legobpengine/news/two-girls-arrested-for-anti-thackeray-facebook-post.html?orig_host_hdr=in.news.yahoo.com&.intl=IN&.lang=en-IN

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  71. Just one word for you Sir, Awesome !! Really very proud of you !!

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  72. What about arresting the Shiv Sainiks who thrashed her uncle's orthopedic clinic.

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  73. Thank you Sir for writing this letter.

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  74. such absurdities have become commonplace. how can a sane person digest the religious sentiment theory. I guess we are creating new God's with our servility impromptu.

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  75. This is sinful work done by Mumbai police....Thanx for oppose by Justic Katju

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  76. A death is an occasion for you Mr Katju?? so do u agree with the protest done by some leaders during the emergency?? wont u have to agree to Balasahebs speeches whom u called inflammatory to also be a part of the Democratic right?? i might as well as fight legally for the police officers who took prompt action against the instigator!!

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    1. So what is your point? Do the girl have the democratic right as Bal Thackarey had? Get a grip dear.

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    2. Ravana, there is a moral responsibility in place before "prompt action is taken against the instigator". What if I go to the police station tomorrow morning and put something you wrote here totally out of context and say that you have hurt my "religious sentiments"? Will you be arrested. I'll tell you what should be done, and what WILL be done given the fact that I have no political and public support:
      1. The police will examine the proof (in this case your comment on this weblog at 11/19/2012 1830hrs, and in the women's case the comment posted on Facebook). At first look, it will be decided that no reference was made to anybody's religion and no intent of enticing the public was proved. The case may be dismissed at this point itself.
      2. If this doesn't happen, and the police have reasonable doubt (maybe because your username resembles that of a mythological character, and through some twisted legal logic, it did hurt my religious sentiments) they shall issue a warning, because that is warranted. However, even the warning will not be stern because no public was aroused/instigated by her comment (for heaven's sake, a women's status message is usually "liked" by almost everyone in her friends' list, lol, and this one got a mere 1 'like'.
      3. Justice Katju's logic in this case is that action should be taken against anyone who ordered and/or implemented the arrest. This is because this wasn't a military arrest where the first and only law is to follow your superior's orders for the sake of national security. Everybody involved here was probably emotionally motivated to make this arrest, which is against the basis of any government agent's job. A fair and impartial action is expected of these officers who we trust our civil security, law and order with.

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  77. Satyameva Jayatheeee..................... Hats of Sir

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  78. such absurdities have become commonplace. how can a sane person digest the religious sentiment theory. I guess we are creating new God's with our servility impromptu.

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  79. Bull's eye! Precise and piercing!!

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  80. Thank you sir! Deep respect!

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  81. Much Respect, Sir! Thank you for giving us a voice that can be heard!

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  82. Internet & Social Media has given every citizen Power but it's with Responsibility.Let us Not Forget . Mr Katju u yourself Many times behave like a Dictator . U don't know the seriousness of That Girls Mistake in Maharashtra . Mumbai Bandh was 100% spontaneous as a mark of respect. Nobody forced single person to shut shops or prevented them from coming out. I saw 20 lack people most disciplined crowed yesterday on Mumbai Streets . If u will Tomorrow it will be hard to collect 100 peoples for your funereal .That's credibility u people earn in lifetime. It will be foolish idea to let her go free without knowing the consequences of such foolish & irresponsible behavior from this Fast food Generation who just take life as a fun & Fun.Let this Internet Generation know the responsibility with freedom they Got from Internet .

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    Replies
    1. What exactly is that girls mistake - asking why a bandh was there ? Is that criminal ? Hurting religious sentiments ? Which religion ?
      I am a proud Hindu who prays as much as anyone else and I can tell you I didnt feel hurt at all.
      And don't talk about noone forcing shops to shut down - the whole 'Internet generation' is full of accounts of their shops/offices being shut down - it is not respect but fear.
      Numbers dont matter - character does.

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    2. you are obviously an idiot.

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    3. Mr Rajesh, Since in a democratic country "hurting religious statements" can be very easy. Your statement above talking about not able to collect people on someone's funeral deeply hurts my religious sentiment. Can you please suggest who I can connect with to get you arrested. As I believe you are also part of this Internet Generation who has not yet learned to be responsible while commenting on people's blogs online.

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    4. If the girl questions the gesture of showing respect by shutting the whole state, she shouldn't? Of course questioning the fascist norms of factions like 'Shiv Sena' would offend them. Its the innate tendency of the narcissist fascist to get emotionally hurt when questioned. Justifying the criminal act by these 'Shiv Seniks' under garb of teaching citizens civic responsibility? You should be ashamed of yourself. Which you obviously would be, if you had the capability or will to comprehend your fallacy.

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    5. A Indian who demands Freedom of harmless expression19 November 2012 at 19:49

      " Mumbai Bandh was 100% spontaneous as a mark of respect. Nobody forced single person to shut shops or prevented them from coming out" There was somebody who forced Mumbai to be bandh and that somebody is named "FEAR"

      Delete
  83. Please come and arrest me too and all the others who love our freedom of speech and expression. The Maharastra government reacted as per it's stance on radical right wing veda thumping ideology. It was afterall this state that cherished Thackeray's glory days!

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  84. respect
    hope more will follow law like you Sir

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  85. Thank you for doing rightful, Sir.
    As a citizen I myself is grateful to you.

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  86. Please come and arrest me too and all the others who love our freedom of speech and expression. The Maharastra government reacted as per it's stance on radical right wing veda thumping ideology. It was afterall this state that cherished Thackeray's glory days!

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  87. Sir, but does freedom of speech gives you power to OFFEND anyone? Can we throw some light on section 61 of IT act?

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    Replies
    1. Yes I think it does. speech. People are offended by all sorts of things every day.

      Your right to be offended doesnt give you any rights over MY freedom of speech.

      Delete
  88. " Mumbai Bandh was 100% spontaneous as a mark of respect. Nobody forced single person to shut shops or prevented them from coming out."

    Are you for Real???... More out of fear than respect...Do you think if any shop was open, the SS would have let them run???...

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    Replies
    1. You don't know reality.Just talking by sitting some where far away from Mumbai!

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  89. Sir, we totally support you - in a country which is steadily going towards outright fanaticism and yes, as 'our famous Son-in-Law' said, becoming a banana republic, its good to know at least some members stand out as pillars of sensibility.

    It is sad that common sense seems to be such a rare commodity today in our country.

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  90. Congrats Sir!
    Great to know that people like you are still out there. Its an encouragement for us, the youth, to work hard for the true liberation of this country from corrupted hands. Do continue and lead us!

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  91. How ridiculous! we got freedom 66yrs past?

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  92. RESPECT!!!!
    Sir your article of "Why I cant pay tribute to Thackharey" page 9 THE HINDU 19th NOV 2012
    Should be shared and printed on front page of every daily news paper..
    Hope the police officials are taken care properly and suspended.

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  93. Not only the civilian but also the government fears which is described as respect..........Where is democracy .......so called biggest democracy!!!!!!!

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  94. Maha Govt.must be dissmissed for his not delivering the rule of justice

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  95. Mr Rajesh, Since in a democratic country "hurting religious statements" can be very easy. Your statement above talking about not able to collect people on someone's funeral deeply hurts my religious sentiment. Can you please suggest who I can connect with to get you arrested. As I believe you are also part of this Internet Generation who has not yet learned to be responsible while commenting on people's blogs online.

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    Replies
    1. My Anonymous..
      There was never any "hurting religious sentiments" made by the girl.. The girl questioned the bandh which was declared due to the death of a political leader.. Since Bal Thackrey was a Hindu even his religion preached that all humans are equal.. so people die and take birth each and every day.. declaring a bandh causes huge economic losses and causes trouble to many.. what will be the benefit of it to the soul of the dead...

      This is clearly an of example how undemocratic our country has become.. There are evidences all around the world how Shiv Sena and MNS used political and communal comments to gain political mileage but that was freedom of expression.. and when a young girl makes a humble and a completely rational comment its "hurting religious statements".. yes you will never understand this Internet Generation.. Coz we are democratic..

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  96. Weldon! You are a really judge. Infact, shutdown of mumbay was due to not only for bala sahib but for fear of Shiv Sena because everybody who live in mumbay is afraid to Shiv Sena thy may be film star of business men. We all support you sir please keep it up.

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  97. சட்டம் ஒரு இருட்டு அறை அல்ல என்பதை முதல் முறை பார்க்கிறேன் - நன்றி அய்யா
    Someone please translate with same sense

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  98. Justice Katju, now a day you are another Monkey in government hand !!!!!!!!!!! be it janlokpal, Be it vadra scam, be it SOnai nd rahul Land grabing scam, you laways defending like a "chamcha" of Congress family" . can i ask some question to you ??There are huge paid news in every corner in the main stream media like in CNNIBN,IBN7 , NDTV, TIMES NOW what sterp you have taken ??? have you read this blog http://www.mediacrooks.com/2012/11/the-night-of-scavengers.html .. read it if you have not till now.. and dont use justice with your name, you are very Bias, ugly man..U havel lost all my(not only me and true indian who beleive and say spat as a spat) respect.. some times before you were my hero . now there is no difference between you and Dawood ibrahim, both destroying this great country by some way or other!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Sanghi trolls like you do have the right to express since under Article 19(1)(a) of our Constitution freedom of speech is a guaranteed fundamental right.

      Delete
    2. This is to the Anonymous comment made at November 19, 2012 at 19:15..
      Please read the comments above you before writing - "U havel lost all my(not only me and true indian who beleive and say spat as a spat) respect"
      Atleast I dont agree with u and I Support Justice Katju for this letter.

      Delete
  99. Good Job Sir. In parallel there are thousands of comments accross the world, not sure why this partial treatment as well ?

    For sure, I like Balasaheb Thackeray, in my own way- but such actions by the Police is un-called for and creating just negative publicity.

    Democracy for sure is a right, but there should be certain boundries as well. But sheer comments by the girl is not a reason to arrest. We all condemn and hats of to you for taking this forward. Expect a follow-up and action, if clear justice is not done.

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  100. by writing the letter, care has been shown towards legal rights of the Indian... the only pity is that wisdom dawns on individuals after they retire from Judiciary !
    had it dawned earlier, then Art 144 would have been invoked for the CJ, Allahabad HC, after the "Rotten..." comment of the SC and Direction would have been issued to transfer ALL Hon'ble Judges out..

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  101. For dumb & Loud people in the world, this is the most correct answer by silent & intellectual person.
    #RESPECT - Justice Katju
    (Chairman, Press Council of India, and former Judge, Supreme Court of India)

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  102. A befitting letter to an elected representative. Is this what we voted them in for? What is he waiting for? AM not sure if I heard it right that the girl was arrested late last night. Is this permissible? The policemen should be immediately punished for being so outrageous.

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  103. LOVELY SIR!

    WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IS GREAT!

    THIS MUST OPEN THE GUILTY EYES TOWARDS THE TRUE SENSE OF RELIGION WHICH IS NOT WHAT THEY HAVE PRACTICED HERE!

    DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM SHOULD BE IMMORTAL IN INDIA!

    MR KHAN
    LONDON

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  104. The Press Council has acquired a new image after this learned Judge has arrived there as its Chairman !

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  105. Why media has trunked the comment made by that girl?
    Is media owners themselves in a mood to spread rumours and unrest? MEDIA HAS TRUNKED THE LATTER PART OF THE COMMENT. I could not find entire comment in every news article available on internet.

    To best of my knowledge the comment is as follows,

    ""People like Thackeray areborn anddie daily andone should not observe abandh for that. Weshould remember Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev two martyrs of India's
    independence struggle.'."

    see my comment above for the source link.

    Also, Mr Katju is a former Justice, isnt it better on his part to first collect complete information and then post a public post via a blog So that it can work perfectly?
    How can he simply slap the clauses on incomplete info of an e mail sent by some girl? Tomorrow somebody will send false email and on that basis is Mr Katju gonna publish posts writing to CM/PM/CJ of India?
    For a stature like Mr Katju its very easy to collect complete facts first and then responsibly post on a blog maturedly. Because internet is a source of very quick unrest and rumours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ""People like Thackeray areborn anddie daily andone should not observe abandh for that. Weshould remember Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev two martyrs of India's
      independence struggle.'."

      How does the above comment hurt religious sentiments? Have some sense man. You need not write a ramayan for saying some nonsense that you yourself is not sure of.

      Delete
  106. vinayak srivastava19 November 2012 at 19:29

    fully support the contents of the letter.

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  107. This is to the Anonymous comment made at November 19, 2012 at 19:15..
    Please read the comments above you before writing - "U havel lost all my(not only me and true indian who beleive and say spat as a spat) respect"
    Atleast I dont agree with u and I Support Justice Katju for this letter.

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  108. Sir:

    I want to know, apart from Soldiers (ARMY, NAVY or AF); Who else can be wrapped in my Country's Tricolor. I am sure, there is Code to be followed.
    Please enlighten me and I am bit disturbed with my Tricolor being wrapped on the body of someone, which I believe does not deserve.

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    Replies
    1. I also want to know the related law for the same.

      Delete
  109. We need something set in stone, like it is for Americans with their first amendment - guaranteed free speech by the country's constitution. In India, we don't have too many laws that can be interpreted variously to prevent freedom of speech but not one that properly grants it.

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  110. Dear Sir,

    This is a common man who is in deep concern about the future of out Motherland.. We live in a country which is ruled by political heavyweights and babus placed at high offices.. I was having a great trouble in trying to believe wholeheartedly in that line of the Preamble which defines India as a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC but the reality is something far away from it..

    Are we really Sovereign, yes we now do not have the Britishers but now we face an even greater trouble of enemies who are the sons of this soil.. are we really Socialist and Secular as we see the Social Caste system and the Religious issues costing lives of millions of innocent people.. Are we really Democratic when a young girl gets arrested to say that Bal Thackeray was a common man and her friend was arrested for a "like".. what was the fault of the girl who liked the comment.. are we not supposed to even have an opinion. This was absolutely insane..

    Hurting Religious Sentiments is obviously a great evil and should be indeed dealt with a severe punishment as it can instigate violence but i am just having trouble to comprehend what was hurting in the comment.. People can search YouTube and can get many video footage's where Bal Thackeray claimed himself to be a common man..In fact this is what politicians claim to get sympathy and hence convert into votes..

    All of this was creating huge trouble in me to believe in the overall effectiveness of the Indian Constitution but it is because of people like you who are the real sons of soil that my faith has been restored.. Issues like these will come and will increase... Democracy may be does not mean freedom of expression but they hell no cannot take our quest back of claiming rightfully whats ours.. you making this statement and people all over the world supporting this cause does proves that yes India is a democratic country and will always be.

    Deepest appreciation Sir, thanks for standing up for a better cause as this is the true definition of Democracy..

    Thanks,
    Mr Indian,
    Mumbai

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  111. Sir,

    While I do appreciate the post above,I wonder who will take the responsibility of ensuring that legal action is taken against those behind the arrest. As a distinguished citizen, I wonder if you could take up that mantle.

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  112. Thank you for writing this post. I totally support your viewpoint. The event sends a very wrong message to entire country. The act should be opposed with full force by the country's youth as we may be next in line for such treatment and these violent barbarians will think they can get by anything!

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  113. Great post. I'm glad someone of your standing wrote it.

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  114. Agreed but not fully. Some things, how much righteous it may be and logically and technically correct but still need may not be politically correct.

    It is aptly said that 'Mass is an ass' With a huge mass emotionally charged for the right reason or not, a small spark if not promptly quenched can cause heavy fire.
    In a situations where potential disasters begging for a reason to happen, it is wiser to act against even the righteous, if necessary, and blind to natural justice, to prevent a possible calamity.

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  115. Tip of my hat to you Sir and a wag of my finger to the Mumbai police - shame on you for continuing to be political puppets.

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  116. When all the politicians, movie stars, businessmen and cricketing personalities are too scared to say the truth, it requires someone with standing to be heard. Thank you for being that person.

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  117. A Indian who demands freedom of harmless expression19 November 2012 at 19:57

    Salute to you Hon Justice Katju. People like you are very rarely found.You have kept law,justice and bravery before politics and you have earned a immense amount of honest RESPECT from me many Indians like me.

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  118. Brilliant!

    Thank you for standing up for the right reasons!!!

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  119. Thank you very much. I am an avid reader of your articles. Your thoughts and actions are appreciated...

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  120. They [Muslims] are spreading like a cancer and should be operated on like a cancer. The... country should be saved from the Muslims and the police should support them [Hindu Maha Sangh] in their struggle just like the police in Punjab were sympathetic to the Khalistanis"- Thackeray.
    Surprisingly enough this did not fall under IPC Section 295-A, But the FB update by a 21 year old girl was a crime big enough for getting arrested and the hospital of her uncle being attacked!!
    The great Indian Constitution , equal for all.
    P.S. : Ashamed to be Indian today

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its because of us they r ruling upon us. We gave them chance to do so. Its very sad to say that most of the Indian don't even bother for the same. Now its upon us to take our country to next level. Time to think differently. we have to project innovation from our brilliant Indian mind.

      Delete
    2. what !!! are you kidding.. how can that fall under IPC Section 295-A, ek bihari sau bimari, muslims ahould go back to pakistan, hindus should also build suicide terrorist squad to kill muslims.. even this was not wrong at all..

      you know why?? its because it was said by Bal Thackeray, a true Indian and a true Hindu, u don't believe me ?? look at lakhs of people who paid tribute to him after his death, look at the film stars and cricketers and politicians who didn't stop praising this man. Ek tha Tiger.


      P.S : Since you had already started to feel ashamed you must know how much ashamed you should feel..

      Delete
    3. Sadly Gaurav.. this whole year has been littered with such incidents which can only make a rational Indian hold his head in shame. This has really been a year of fanatics, goons and violent rapes. Scams go on without any authorized body having the guts to even review them... yet here a poor girl's comment caused her to be jailed.
      Another girl was jailed for clicking LIKE... this is a crime yet vandals smashing her uncles hospital isnt considered worthy of the police' notice.

      Delete
  121. thank you sir.......... you are an extra ordinary person... and you have commented at the right time.....

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  122. Good that you step up but i don't think anyone would care.
    This country will remain the same until more sensible people are born here and the dumb ones die.

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  123. I am so happy that you did this job against of illegal activity by Maharashtra government
    Thanks sir

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  124. well initiative ......thanks

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  125. Thank you Sir. We need judges like you step forward and make suggestions. I am almost scared even appreciating this effort!

    This should include corporate behavior and rules around corporate policies too!

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  126. Justice delivered!!! Instantly...!

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  127. A great letter from a citizen of India to his Chief minister.

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  128. Thank you very much Sir. You are a great inspiration. We need more like you.

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  129. Sir, proud of you country badly needs persons like u n every state to stop such attrocities by police. Great help from u to save two girls from police clutches.

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  130. another freak @gaurav tanwar
    grow up

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  131. Respect you Sir.

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  132. Dear Sir, I can imagine the mental plight of those women.Thanks for your timely intervention. Your effort would be very much appreciated by all law abiding citizens.

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  133. Personalities like Justice Katju can save our country.Proud of you,sir!

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  134. Well Done Sir,

    Thanks for standing up to this madness, and writing a letter to CM.

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  135. Here are my thoughts:
    1. Police personnel involved in the matter wont face any legal action, in fact all policeman think themselves to be above law. How else you explain manhandling which is quite common all over the country?
    2. Even if they are punished, under pressure from strong voices (the likes of you, as none cares about common man's voice - themselves to blame for voting irresponsibly), these officers will receive other favors for spreading the fear which otherwise would've required a few 'Shiv Sainiks'.
    3. The constitution has become an interesting device, which can be manipulated anytime by the parliament for their own political gains. Citizens are supposed to abide by all the duties mentioned in it, while their right can be violated at will without any fear of repercussions.
    4. If the constitution has to become strong, the government should lose its legal stature as soon as it commits any violation of constitution. Or, the citizens should be allowed to sue the government organizations (in a federal manner) without their rights being apprehended further. As of now, any such action would require initiative from Governor/President, who in turn are elected by the same people who need to be sued.

    Apologies if I have offended anyone's views about our constitution/system.

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  136. Freedom of speech and expression is the fundamental right of every Indian. Sad, but true, that the lawkeepers fail to understand it. Thanks you Justice Katju for your support.

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  137. Thank u sir.. Es desh ko ap logo ki jarurat h jo sahi k liye aawaj uthaye na ki divide n rule ki politics krne walo ki(chahe wo kisi state k pol. ho).. es time mai ek Bhartiya k taur per kh ri hu, kisi ek state k liye ni)........ Or apna nam liikhne me b mjhe der lgta h qki fir log mere thought me religion or caste dono dhund lenge.. abhi to mere gender to humla hona hi h..

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