HC Rebukes Police for Seeking Action Against Professor Over Pansare's Book on Shivaji

The Bombay High Court criticized Satara police for probing a professor over referencing Govind Pansare's book, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech.

on Jul 30, 2024

HC Rebukes Police for Seeking Action Against Professor Over Pansare's Book on Shivaji

The Bombay High Court strongly criticized the Satara police for initiating action against a professor who referenced the late activist Govind Pansare's book "Shivaji Kon Hota" to calm students during an event. The court's division bench, comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan, questioned the police's understanding of democracy and whether any offence was actually committed by the professor. The court emphasized the professor's right to freedom of speech and condemned the police for overstepping their authority.

The case arose when Dr. Mrunalini Aher filed a plea challenging a letter sent by a sub-inspector from a police station in Satara district in August 2023. This letter asked the principal of Yashwantrao Chavan College in Pachwad to conduct an inquiry against Aher and report back to the police. According to Aher, the letter was an overreach of police powers.

The incident occurred during a lecture on August Kranti Din the previous year when a segment of students became agitated, believing some disrespectful remarks were made about revered personalities. Aher, present during the lecture, attempted to calm the situation by referring to Pansare's book. Despite her efforts to diffuse the tension, some audience members accused her of supporting the professor instead of condemning him.

The police sub-inspector present at the event subsequently requested the college principal to conduct a departmental inquiry against Aher. In her plea, Aher argued that such an inquiry request was illegal, as it exceeded the sub-inspector's authority. The High Court asked the police inspector if he had read Pansare's book and questioned whether an offence was made out, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech.

The court warned the state of issuing strictures against the officer if the communication was not withdrawn. Ultimately, the plea was disposed of after the prosecution informed the court that the letter would be unconditionally withdrawn. This decision comes in the context of Pansare's own tragic history, having been shot in February 2015 in Kolhapur and succumbing to his injuries days later.