Patil denies delay in action against Togadia

Says govt seeks legal opinion because it doesn't want to crush anybody's freedom of expression

Refuting charges that there was any delay in taking action against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia for his alleged 'hate speech' last month, state Home Minister R R Patil said today that a case was filed after the Nanded Superintendent of Police found objectionable content in his speech.

"We have sought legal opinion so as to take further action against him (Togadia). We seek legal opinion because we don't want to crush anybody's freedom of expression," Patil told reporters here.

He said, whenever there are instances of hate speeches, the concerned police officials scrutinise the statements and if necessary, a case is filed. "In this case too, the Nanded police found objectionable content in his speech and accordingly registered a case. The investigation officer will decide whether Togadia should be arrested or not," he said.