On Shobha De's tweet on Marathi films order, Shiv Sena lawmaker files privilege motion

Novelist Shobha De’s tweet against the Maharashtra state government’s decision to make it mandatory for all Theatres and Multiplex owners to screen a Marathi movie during prime time has gotten her in to trouble.

On Wednesday Shiv Sena MLA, Pratap Sarnaik filed a notice of breach of Privilege against De after she tweeted protesting the Maharashtra government’s decision. The novelist tweeted, “Devendra 'Diktatwala' Fadnavis is at it again!!!From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko!”

Further criticizing the state government decision De tweeted that it was nothing but hooliganism. “I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.”

Reacting to the tweet Sarnaik has filed a breach of privilege against De for ‘insulting the Chief Minister and the sentiments of the Marathi speaking people.’

Speaking to reporters after filing the Breach of Privilege, Sarnaik said, “ She has insulted the Chief Minister and the Marathi speaking people and film goers, she should apologise or I would go ahead with the Breach of privilege motion against her.”

Reacting to the Breach of Privilege De has tweeted, “Now a privilege motion demanding an apology from me? Come on! I am a proud Maharashtrian and love Marathi films. Always have. Always will !”

The Legislative speaker has however still admitted not admitted Sarnaik’s motion against De. A breach of privilege is a violation of any of the privileges of the MLa’s/ MP’s. It can be used by the MLa’s MP’s to punish those who have committed breach of privilege or contempt against the state legislature or those in the Parliament. In 2006 the Maharashtra state Assembly had sentenced Manjit Singh a member of the Dancer bar association to 90 days of imprisonment for breach of privilege.