Uddhav Thackeray's Sena gets Bombay HC nod to hold Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park

New Delhi: The Bombay High Court has rejected the plea by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction to hold Dussehra rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. Instead, the court approved the application of Uddhav Thackeray faction to mark the festival at the said area.

The BMC had on September 21 said it was refusing permission as a similar application had been filed by MLA Sada Sarvankar of the rival Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and if permission was granted to one faction, it would lead to law and order problems as apprehended by local police.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Shinde's group were both denied permission by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday to stage rallies in Shivaji Park due to law and order concerns voiced by the Mumbai Police.

The Bombay High Court's division bench, composed of Justices RD Dhanuka and Kamal Khata, agreed with the Thackeray faction's suit, stating that the BMC ruling was a "clear misuse of the legal process and bona fide."

Uddhav had asked all office-bearers of his party to get to work and ensure that Shiv Sainiks turn up in large numbers for the rally.

Welcoming the high court's decision, party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said this year's rally will be grand.

Welcoming the high court's decision, party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said this year's rally will be grand.

"Our faith in the judiciary stands vindicated. For the last many years, Dussehra rally has been taking place at 'Shiv-Tirtha', but this time attempt was made through the Shinde faction and BJP to create obstacles. Thankfully, the court rejected it," said Sena secretary Vinayak Raut.