PIL seeks ban on Sanatan Sanstha

The PIL, filed by social activists from Raigad, has sought a ban on the organisation, alleging that it indulges in terrorist activities and has waged a war against the nation. A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Roshan Dalvi has asked the Maharashtra government to file its reply on January 12, 2012.

The petition seeks the Sanstha trustees and office- bearers be declared as "terrorism activists". According to the petition, the organisation, which preaches 'Ishwari Rajya', is against the principle of democracy.

It also alleges that the Sanstha practises Ericksonian Hypnosis, a technique, in which, individuals as well as masses in the society can be hypnotised. "Anyone, under the impression of Ericksonian Hypnosis, loses his prudent wisdom and only works according to the directions of the hypnotist," the petition adds.

Members of the Sanatan Sanstha have been convicted for their role in blasts at theatres and cinema halls in Thane and Panvel in 2008. In September, the Maharashtra government had requested the Central government to include Sanatan Sanstha in the category of banned terrorist organisations.