"The rejection of the Sri Krishna Commission's Report on Bombay Disturbances in December, 1992 - March 1993 by the Shiv Sena-BJP Government in Maharashtra is not surprising in the context of their earlier attempt to scuttle the inquiry and the inordinate delay, on one excuse or the other, in tabling it, after it was submitted.

Obviously the rejection is politically motived. But irrespective of whether they accept or reject it, the fascist character of the Shiv Sena and the real face of its Supreme leader Bal Thackeråy lie exposed before the people of India, indeed, of the world.

Now the ball is in the court of the Central Government. If the Vajpayee government takes no notice of this portentous development it also becomes an accomplice in a Crime against Democracy and the Rule of Law.

Indeed, the responsibility for forcing the State Government to prosecute the culprits named in the Report lie now on the judiciary. so that the law takes its course.

But the most important question that arises is whether a political party, whose leader and at his command, its rank and file have been found by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, not only to harbour viciously communal ideas but to commit criminal offences against a target group, can claim to be a party committed to Democracy, Secularism and the Rule of Law and peaceful methods.

Therefore, while I appeal to the State Government to review their decision and to initiate necessary action against the culprits and to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to intervene personally to save the image and prestige of our country as a secular democracy based on the rule of law, I call upon the Election Commission of India to consider de-registration of the Shiv Sena as a political party.

I also appeal to the Muslim community in general, and of Mumbai in particularly, to eschew provocative demonstrations and to act with dignity and patience in the face of all provocations.