The Bombay High Court on Thursday slammed the Maharashtra government for its handling of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's agitation about Marathi signboards.

"If you don't have the political will, then give that message to the people that we can not do anything," said Justice Patel.

Raj Thackeray warns Mumbai shop owners

Division bench of Justice J N Patel and K K Tated was dissatisfied about the government's inaction against hooliganism of MNS activists last month.

"Why no action has been taken against respondent number six (Raj Thackeray)?....Are some people untouchable for you?" Justice Patel asked as the government failed to file a proper reply regarding the action taken.

HC slams Maharashtra government over MNS threat

The court also took note of Raj's tirade against Joint Commissioner of Police K L Prasad. "Your Home minister has failed to back up the police officer," the court said.

In August, the MNS had set a deadline for shop-owners for putting up Marathi signboards, warning that if they failed to comply, they shall be taught a lesson.

Raj Thackeray: Boycott Bachchans

Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association had moved the court after that. The court then directed that state should ensure that nobody was harmed, and MNS must not indulge in violence.

The court today gave time to the government till October 16 for filing an affidavit regarding what action has been taken.

The earlier orders restraining MNS and Raj Thackeray from issuing threats or indulging in hooliganism continue.