Nagpur: Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Monday directed Sitabuldi police to examine an audio clip allegedly containing objectionable remarks against Mahatma Gandhi and initiate proceedings if a cognisable offence is made out. Hearing a petition filed by Congress district president Ashwin Bais, a division bench of Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta said the investigating agency must “go through the audio clip to examine whether cognisable offence is disclosed and, if so, to take appropriate action immediately.”The plea relates to a Feb 16 lecture at Chitnavis Centre organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj, where speaker Pushpendra Kulshrestha allegedly made controversial statements about Gandhi. Police complaints were filed on Feb 28 by Sitabuldi police and on March 4 before CP Singal, but no offence was registered, the petition alleged. It sought action under provisions of the BNS. The court also disposed of an intervention plea by Sarvodaya Ashram, stating its presence was not necessary and granting liberty to file a separate petition. The matter will be heard next on April 8.
