The Union government on Thursday told the Bombay High Court that it will decide within 45 days whether to declare Hindu right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Members of the Santan Sanstha, a terror outfit, have allegedly carried out terror activities in areas around here. A division bench of Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and K.K. Tated was hearing a petition filed by Vijay Rokade seeking a ban on the organisation.
Advocate G.R. Sharma, appearing for the Union government told the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs would look into the State government’s proposal and take a decision within 45 days after it was informed that the Maharashtra government has already recommended a ban on the organisation.
“After taking its decision, the Union government will forward its recommendation to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Tribunal which will take a final decision after hearing all parties involved including the organisation,” Mr. Sharma said.
The Sanatan Sanstha has three cases, regarding bomb blasts, registered against it, according to the State government’s affidavit. The affidavit mentioned that the State Anti-Terrorism Squad had made a request to include the organisation as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA. The next hearing will be held on March 11, when the Centre will have taken its decision.
