Facebook case: HC asks Maha about action taken against cops

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to file an affidavit stating what action it proposes to take against the police officials who arrested two girls from nearby Palghar district for posting comments on Facebook.

The girls had posted comment on social networking site Facebook on the bandh during Bal Thackeray's funeral in November last year.

A division bench of Justices P V Hardas and A M Thipsay asked the state to file its affidavit by February 26.

The direction was passed on a PIL filed by former journalist Ketan Tirodkar seeking appropriate action against erring policemen, who ordered for the arrest of the two girls.

In his petition, Tirodkar said that an inquiry into the arrests was made by Inspector General of Police (Konkan region) Sukhwinder Singh and a report was submitted to the government but no action has been initiated yet.

The two teenage girls were arrested following a complaint made by the local Shiv Sena head. While one of the girl had posted a comment against the bandh observed in the city, the second girl had 'liked' the post. They were later released on bail.

Following public outcry, the government had said it would direct the police to withdraw the complaint.