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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court on Friday pulled up the Satara Police for writing a letter to the college to order an inquiry against a professor who referred to the book "Shivaji Kon Hota" (Who was Shivaji) written by activist Govind Pansare.

The division bench of the high court comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice PK Chavan was hearing a petition filed by the professor, Mrunalini Aher, against whom the letter was written.

On August 10, 2023, during a college event, there was some disruption by the students. Aher tried to calm down the situation and asked the students to read the book "Shivaji Kon Hota" (Who was Shivaji). 

However, the crowd became more agitated since Aher did not refer to Shivaji as 'Chhatarapati Shivaji.'

Subsequently, the police wrote a letter to the college management to order an inquiry against the professor, prompting Aher to approach the high court.

The bench pulled up the police and said, "You have exceeded your powers. It is because of your letter that she is facing all this. You cannot ask a private institution to take action against anyone. You could not have issued such directions at all," the bench said.

Furthermore, the bench asked the police to read the book and then read Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and inform the bench if any offence was made out.

After being pulled up by the high court, Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegoankar informed the bench that the letter was unconditionally withdrawn.