Charge-sheet not a green signal for ban, says CM

PANJIM, MAY 18
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today virtually turned down call for ban on Sanatan Sanstha, whose associates have been charged for “waging war against India” in the October 16, 2009 (Diwali eve) Margao blast case.
 “Filing charge-sheet does not empower any government to ban any organization,” Kamat said whiles addressing a press conference at his official residence here this evening.
The chief minister, whose colleague Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and his wife are active members of the Sanstha, said that he has asked for a copy of the charge-sheet from the court.
“I will ask the Law Department to study the matter before reaching any decision,” he said.
The NIA on Monday filed charge-sheet against 11 persons associated with the Hindu extremist organization.
The charge-sheet said that the accused wanted to strike terror in the minds of the people, viewers and the participants of the Narkasur effigy competition, which is held annually here on the Diwali eve.
Kamat said simply banning any organization arbitrarily before any verdict is given by the court or proper study is done will be mockery of democracy.
“There are several cases of such types which have been challenged in the courts and fallen apart,” he stated giving an indication he was not very serious on banning the Sanstha.