PANJIM: In a major setback to Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, Goa State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has rejected his plea seeking action against the Laxmikant Parsekar-led coalition for violating his rights by continuously denying him entry into the State.
Muthalik had earlier this month approached the GSHRC seeking relief from being barred to enter Goa, reasoning that he has not been involved in any protest nor does he have any case lodged against him in the State.
However, the bench presided over by Justice P K Mishra turned down his application on technical grounds. “The complaint has not been signed by the complainant. However, he has put facsimile stamp in place of signature. The complaint is therefore rejected on this ground alone,” the order reads.
The SRS chief has nonetheless been suggested to seek help from appropriate legal forum if he is aggrieved by the government’s order.
Interestingly, in his complaint to the GSHRC, Muthalik cited that the ban imposed on him has disturbed him personally and socially. He went on to add that the government has breached the Indian Constitution by restricting Fundamental Rights including Right to Freedom and Freedom of Religion.
“The ban on me in Goa has disturbed my personal life, as well as my social life by restricting me from visiting famous temples and seers, and therefore Goa government has violated my right of religion. …order prohibiting my entry to the State shows that the government has violated the fundamental rights, and it is great insult to Dr B R Ambedkar who wrote the Indian Constitution to ensure equality and welfare of the people in the country,” reads his petition copy.
The plea also stated that the restriction has compelled him to stay away from his spiritual guru, relatives and friends who reside in Goa. “…because of this unlawful act, I could not attend any function and programmes in Goa,” he further added, urging the commission to take serious action against the State government for violating his rights.
While rejecting the application ‘in limine’ (at the threshold) before taking it up for hearing, the commission pointed out absence of his signature. The order has already been dispatched to his residence.
