Sri Rama Sene Chief Muthalik Banned in Goa for another 60 Days
Mangaluru: The District Magistrate of North Goa extended by more 60 days the ban on the entry of Pramod Muthalik, leader of “Sri Ram Sene” and any of his associates or members within the jurisdiction of North Goa District, with effect from April 7, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. The step has been taken to prevent the possibility of disturbance to law and order and danger to public safety due to their aggressive statements or speeches that could hurt the sentiments of certain groups of the public and instigate violence, thus adversely affecting public peace and tranquility.
When he was Chief Minister of Goa in 2012, Manohar Parrikar had stated that he is against the entry of Sri Ram Sene chief as his government was committed to keeping “communalism” at bay to preserve communal harmony in the tourist State. Civil society groups and tourism industry too had petitioned him to not allow Muthalik to set up his branches in Goa, as he claimed then, fearing he may unleash “moral policing” in the tourist State with international repute.
On September 1, 2015, the Supreme Court had dismissed an appeal by Sri Ram Sene chief against the Goa government’s decision to ban his entry into the State. The State government has since been extending his ban every six months. Controversial chief of Karnataka-based right wing outfit was linked with the attack on women at a pub in Mangalore in 2009.