Court stays extension of Raj Thackeray gag order

A Mumbai court on Thursday stayed the extension of the gag order imposed on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray by the city police.

Additional Sessions Judge S N Sardesai, however, has said that the court's order will not be applicable until 5 pm on Friday to allow the police to approach the Bombay high court to appeal against the order.

Thackeray had filed a revision application before the sessions court on Thursday, challenging the extension of the police order of February 11 prohibiting him from holding rallies, public meetings and addressing the media.

The order was passed by the police in the wake of the MNS chief's provocative statements against members of the north-Indian community, which resulted in incidents of violence across the state.