Freedom of expression my fundamental right: Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, March 5: Responding to the show cause notice issued by police asking why the gag order against him should not be extended, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said the restriction infringes on his fundamental right of freedom of expression.

In the five-page written reply submitted by his lawyer Sayaji Nagre to DCP (Operations) Ashutosh Dumbare, Raj said freedom of expression was his fundamental right.

"We have also said there is no prevailing Emergency situation due to which the restrictions must be continued. We have also contested police's claim in the show cause notice which says signature campaign run by the party may cause law and order trouble," Nagre said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) K L Prasad said that based upon the reply, Dumbare may arrive at a decision whether to extend the gag order or not by Thursday.

"This is a quasi judicial process in which the officer concerned decides based upon the written reply and the prevailing situation. I do not have any control over it," he said.