In recent weeks, Mumbai has witnessed a surge in incidents highlighting tensions over language use, particularly concerning the enforcement of Marathi in public interactions. These events have sparked debates on linguistic freedom, cultural identity, and the boundaries of civic expression. 

 

 

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Assault Over Language Choice in Dombivli

 

On April 7, 2025, in Dombivli, a suburb of Thane, two women—Poonam Gupta and her friend—were reportedly assaulted for saying “excuse me” in English instead of Marathi while entering their housing society. The altercation escalated when a resident, offended by the use of English, allegedly twisted the arm of one woman and, along with family members, physically attacked both women, one of whom was carrying a nine-month-old baby. The incident was captured on CCTV, leading to public outrage and a police investigation.  

 

 

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Legal Action for Criticizing ‘Operation Sindoor’

 

In a separate incident, a 40-year-old woman from Malwani, Mumbai, who runs a beauty parlour, faced legal action for posting a WhatsApp status criticizing ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a military operation. Her post, which condemned governmental decisions leading to innocent casualties, was deemed objectionable. Following a complaint by a Bajrang Dal member, an FIR was registered under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.  

 

 

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MNS’s Campaign for Marathi Enforcement

 

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has been actively promoting the use of Marathi in the state. In April 2025, MNS activists reportedly assaulted bank staff for not speaking in Marathi, leading to widespread criticism. Thackeray later appealed to his party workers to cease such agitations, acknowledging the attention drawn to the Marathi language issue.  

 

 

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AI-Generated Videos Fueling Misinformation

 

Amid these events, a video purportedly showing protests against the imposition of Marathi at Mumbai’s Gateway of India went viral. However, fact-checking organizations confirmed that the video was AI-generated and did not depict a real protest, highlighting concerns about misinformation in sensitive sociopolitical contexts.  

 

 

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Legal Pushback Against Unlawful Language Enforcement

 

In response to the MNS’s actions, legal notices have been issued against party workers for the unlawful enforcement of Marathi. Advocate Abid Abbas Sayyed condemned the intimidation tactics used by MNS activists and urged state authorities to take immediate action, citing incidents in Thane and Pune.  

 

 

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Conclusion

 

These incidents underscore the complexities of linguistic dynamics in Mumbai, a city characterized by its multicultural fabric. While the promotion of regional languages like Marathi is essential for preserving cultural identity, it is equally important to ensure that such efforts do not infringe upon individual freedoms and lead to societal discord. The recent events serve as a reminder of the need for balanced approaches that respect diversity

 while fostering unity. 

 

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